Korean ambassador meets Sri Lankan migrant workers

Ambassador Woonjin Jeong had the pleasure of meeting a delegation of 11 Sri Lankan migrant workers representing the first batch of 22 workers who are going to the Republic of Korea post COVID-19. This momentous occasion was held at the embassy of the Republic of Korea. The ambassador offered congratulations to the migrant workers and expressed his appreciation for their contribution to uplift the economies of both countries.

The ambassador reiterated the significance of the Sri Lankan migrant workers to the Republic of Korea and emphasized that their precious contribution is a bridge that bolsters the ties between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea. He stated that he had met several Sri Lankan employees in Korea and was deeply moved by their skills and performance. Approximately 23,000 Sri Lankan workers are employed in Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS). The ambassador expressed his gratitude towards the Country Director of the EPS centre in facilitating the departure of the Sri Lankan migrant workers amid the coronavirus pandemic. The proactive engagement of the EPS centre has led to the first delegation of migrant workers heading for Korea and it has strengthened the strong bilateral relations of the two countries.

R.K Randeniya, Deputy General Manager of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment further added that since the Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea in 2004, almost 100,000 Sri Lankans have benefitted from the Employment Permit System. The Republic of Korea has opened a window of opportunities and Sri Lankans have acquired skills and benefits from this programme.