Mar 08, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government plans to limit migration of mothers in order to ensure the welfare of their children.

“It is clear from available statistics and various reports that children of many mothers who migrate, specially for employment to the Middle East and other countries, have become helpless and vulnerable, and lack nutrition and health-care,” Cabinet spokesperson Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa said.

There have been reports of mothers with small children who migrate without making proper arrangements with regard to their children and families. In these cases, children are typically left with husbands, grandmothers or relatives. There have been instances when accidents, even deaths of children, resulted due to insecure conditions when fathers themselves engaged in occupation.

Attempting to find a solution, the Sri Lankan Cabinet has granted its approval to prohibit of migration for employment by mothers with children under five years of age. In the case of mothers with children over five years, for the purpose of registration at the Foreign Employment Bureau, a report will be required with a recommendation from a committee headed by the Divisional Secretary certifying that appropriate arrangements have been made with regard to the children. This committee can include a Women Development Officer, Relief Sister, Social Services Officer and Labour Welfare Officer, the Minister said.