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20 Lankans repatriated after trafficking ordeal in Myanmar

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The International Organization for Migration (IOM) – UN Migration, in the early hours of 06 September 2024, facilitated the safe and voluntary return of twenty (20) Sri Lankan migrants who were trafficked for forced criminal activities in cyber scamming compounds in Myanmar.

These Sri Lankan migrants were coerced into various cyber scamming activities under the pretext of legitimate job offers in the IT sector and other customer service roles. Upon their rescue from Myanmar, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Thailand facilitated their movement to shelters operated by the Government of Thailand. IOM provided the required immediate assistance throughout the process.

Remarking on the repatriation effort, Ms. Kristin Parco, Chief of Mission for IOM Sri Lanka and the Maldives stated: “IOM continues to advocate for a holistic and coordinated approach to combating trafficking in persons. Human trafficking is not an endeavour that can be mitigated by a single institution or an organization. It requires a multi-pronged approach involving public awareness, government capacity building, and the timely dissemination of accurate and reliable information.”

A team from IOM Sri Lanka arrived in Thailand to assess the protection needs of the 20 survivors in coordination with IOM Thailand and facilitated the smooth repatriation of the survivors.  IOM’s assistance to the survivors included temporary accommodation, meals and other immediate support in Thailand, facilitating their safe and dignified departure and voluntary return to Sri Lanka, and providing air tickets & onward transportation to their hometowns in Sri Lanka.

IOM Sri Lanka closely coordinated all repatriation arrangements with the Government of Sri Lanka and aims to provide sustainable reintegration assistance to all survivors of trafficking upon their return to Sri Lanka.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Myanmar has also been consistently bringing to the notice of Burmese authorities the dire situation of Sri Lankan victims enslaved in cybercriminal activities orchestrated by traffickers, urging authorities to take immediate action to rescue the victims from such distressing circumstances.

Ms. Minoli Don, Head of Protection Unit, IOM Sri Lanka took the opportunity to thank all entities that facilitated this unimpeded repatriation effort, “IOM Sri Lanka takes this opportunity to extend its appreciation to the Government of Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sri Lanka and its Diplomatic Missions in Thailand and Myanmar, the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce led by the Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, and IOM Thailand in ensuring the smooth return process. IOM remains committed to working closely with all partners to promote safe, orderly and regular migration for the benefit for all.”

Around 50 Sri Lankan youth were being held against their will at a Cyber Crimes camp by an armed group in Myanmar, and earlier eight of them were rescued and returned to the country.

Another 33 Sri Lankan youth continue to remain in the Myawaddy region in Myanmar at Cyber Crimes camps.

(News 1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News 1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

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New SLBFE rule for self-employed migrant workers

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The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) will introduce a new regulation from July 01, 2025, for Sri Lankans seeking overseas employment through self-directed means, SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe announced.

Under the new rule, those applying must have their foreign employment agreement certified by producing necessary documents to the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in the respective country before registering with the SLBFE.

This process will involve a fee of USD 60.

According to the SLBFE Chairman, the rule will apply to only non-professional categories which are listed on the website of the bureau.

Under the first phase, it will apply to only 15 categories that are provided diplomatic services in 13 countries where labour units of the SLBFE are underway.

The SLBFE says that this move is aimed at safeguarding the rights of migrant workers by ensuring contract authenticity and transparency, prior to departure.

Exemptions will be granted to those who can present passports indicating their profession or relevant documentation proving their professional status abroad.

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Designated driver wasn’t at wheel during Dunhida bus crash

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Investigations into the tragic bus accident in the Dunhida area, along the Badulla–Mahiyanganaya main road, have revealed that the designated driver wasn’t at the wheel at the time of the crash.

According to the Police, the person at the wheel had initially volunteered to move the bus parked near the Muthiyangana Temple in the absence of the actual driver. 

When the official driver later arrived, he had allowed this individual to continue driving the bus.

Police also say that the individual at the wheel also possesses a valid driving license.

The accident, which occurred on June 21, had claimed the lives of 03 persons and injured 31 others.

The bus was reportedly transporting a group from Thambuttegama, Anuradhapura, on a pilgrimage to Kumbalwela.

(Pic : Accident1st)

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Parliament to allocate rest area for MPs’ drivers

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The Parliamentary House Committee has discussed the need to provide a temporary resting area for drivers of Parliamentarians during parliamentary sittings.

Parliamentary sources stated that arrangements will be made to allocate a suitable location for this purpose in the future.

(Source: Lankadeepa)

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