In a noteworthy development, Saudi Arabia has emerged as the leading destination for Sri Lankan expatriates seeking employment, with over 63,000 individuals securing work opportunities in the Kingdom in the year 2023.

As part of an annual migration trend, more than 200,000 Sri Lankan migrant workers venture abroad in search of employment opportunities. These expatriates play a crucial role in contributing to the country's foreign exchange reserves, a lifeline during Sri Lanka's ongoing severe financial crisis.

P.M. Amza, Sri Lanka's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, revealed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken the top spot in generating employment opportunities for Sri Lankans. Amza estimates that the remittances for the year 2023 alone surpassed $7 billion, with a significant share originating from the Saudi job market.

"During the year 2023, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has become the number one country, generating 63,000 employment opportunities for Sri Lankans," Amza stated in an interview with Arab News.

He emphasized the pivotal role played by Saudi Arabia in contributing to Sri Lanka's annual remittances, constituting approximately 15 to 20 percent of the total remittances received by the country.

Sri Lankan workers continue to favor Gulf Cooperation Council countries, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the primary destination, attracting not only laborers but also skilled professionals engaged in Vision 2030 megaprojects.

Amza attributed the increasing allure of the Kingdom to Sri Lankans to various factors, including ongoing megaprojects and the implementation of the Skill Verification Program (SVP), designed to enhance the professional competence of workers and streamline the recruitment process.

The SVP, initiated through a bilateral agreement in March, covers 23 professions and facilitates the recognition of accreditations issued by Sri Lanka's Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, further solidifying the ties between the two nations.

"The year 2023 has seen the qualitative and quantitative increase of employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in the Kingdom," noted Amza. Additionally, he highlighted a shift in employment patterns, with growth observed in the construction and hospitality sectors. The SVP agreement played a crucial role in this positive trend, contributing to an increase in skilled and professional categories of employment, reaching nearly 12,000 in 2023.

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