By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has issued 700,733 passports in the first 9 months of this year, Deputy Controller of Immigration and Emigration Piyumi Bandara said.   She said passports were issued for 409,919 men and 290,814 women since January to September this year. The highest number of passports, which is 115,286, were issued in August, she said. She said the number of arrival to obtain passports has increased significantly this year. According to the Department, a total of 392,032 passports have been issued in 2021.
Meanwhile, more than 240,000 individuals have registered to take up employment overseas this year.   
Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara said a total of 241,034 individuals have registered for foreign employment as of Saturday (Oct 8). 

The minister said the ministry is working with international partners to provide highly-paid jobs for Sri Lankans in countries such as Japan, South Korea and Malaysia in addition to Middle Eastern countries.   

The minister said foreign remittances to Sri Lanka through official channels has seen an increase in the last month.   

According to data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, workers’ remittances increased to USD 359 million in September from USD 325 million in August.