• The SLFEB has decided not to grant permission for mothers with children under two years of age, as mothers should pay special attention to the care and education of their children

By. Chaturanga Samarawickrama

The report regarding the welfare arrangements of under age children of women under 45 years of age is compulsory when leaving the country for foreign employment, the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) said.  

Addressing the media, the number of Sri Lankans leaving the country for foreign employment has increased, with the majority of them being women, and a significant number of them being mothers.  

Accordingly, the SLFEB has decided not to grant permission for mothers with children under two years of age, as mothers should pay special attention to the care and education of their children, she said.  

Moreover, the SLFEB has decided to call for a report on the welfare arrangements of their under age children. A circular will be issued making the  practice compulsory.

 Affidavits are not required in this instance.  

The Bureau further said that the decision was taken as a step for the protection of their children and to facilitate their education during the period of  employment overseas, it will help to identify the family members who are responsible for the welfare and protection of those children.  

The relevant women should obtain their report on the child welfare program from the respective Divisional Secretariat . To obtain the Divisional Secretariat report, they have to apply with the Grama Niladhari (GN) certificate from where they are residing.  

If they are not residing in an electorate other than the one in which they have registered as voters, they should submit their reports through the GN officer where they were last registered.