Labour Ministry promises not to charge for PCR tests at BIA for all returning migrant workers

The Labour Ministry promises to take the necessary steps to conduct the COVID-19 testing process of the returning migrant workers at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) free of charge and without much hassle. 

Addressing a press briefing yesterday, Labour Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva announced that the returning migrant workers would no longer be charged for the PCR test at BIA .

He noted that a decision has been reached for the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) to provide the US $ 40 charged on the PCR test of each returning migrant worker, given their available contribution to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that the government plans to expedite the PCR testing process, with a target to complete the progress within three hours.

PCR testing is to be conducted at the new laboratory within the BIA premises.

Fully vaccinated migrant workers, who test negative, are allowed to leave their homes without subjecting to quatrain measures. 

Earlier, some of the returning migrant workers accused the BIA officials for forcing them to pay for accommodation at nearby hotels while awaiting PCR test results, on top of the cost of PCR test.

Under this programme, Foreign Employment Promotion and Market Diversification State Minister Piyankara Jayaratne remarked that the returning migrant workers would be given the priority.