Work permits for foreign experts approved

10 April 2014 01:47 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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State institutions and private companies are now permitted to obtain the services of foreign professionals, technical experts and skilled labour not available in the country, following the approval of the BOI that will issue a work permit for a specific time period, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

President Rajapaksa told the Daily Mirror that state institutions and companies must apply for specialised foreign human resources through the BOI and if and when the BOI approves the request, the Immigration and Emigration Department would issue a visa to experts and professionals for a limited period to work in Sri Lanka on a ‘Work Permit’.

Moving into a middle-income country from lower middle-income country, Sri Lanka must now start importing human resources not available in the country from other countries for her development programmes, President Rajapaksa added.

He said Sri Lanka was ready to achieve the Per Capita Income of US$ 4,000 this year much ahead of its targeted year of 2016 as Sri Lanka’s Per Capita income stood at US$ 3,280 in 2013.

“We must begin importing skilled labour, technochnical and professional know-how which are rare or unavailable in Sri Lanka from other countries. We must also start training skilled labour in Sri Lanka for local and foreign job markets. But this process must not negatively affect the local job market,” President Rajapaksa emphasised.

For instance, a technical school has already been set up in Kandy to train carpenters to international level in the construction industry, he added.
“Nearly 10,000 foreigners are already working here after arriving on tourist visas,” he said.

Meanwhile, corroborating what President Rajapaksa said, the Director Media of the BOI, Dilip Samarasinghe said a Singapore company ‘Fonda International’ recently started a training programme under a BOI project to train professionals and skilled labour for the construction industry in Singapore at the Katunayaka Export Processing Zone (KEPZ).

“Right now they are training two groups in 200 batches to train as highly skilled labour for Singapore’s industrial sector as the construction industry in Singapore maintains very high standards,” Mr. Samarasinghe said.

Another German Company ‘Kramski’ expects to invest in a project in collaboration with the German – Sri Lanka Technical Institute (GSLTI) in Moratuwa to train technicians needed for that country. The recruitments will be done from among youth qualified from the GSLTI, he added.

Mr. Samarasinghe said the ‘Nano-Technology Park’ opened recently at Pitipana, Homagama had started the research and training of experts who used nanotechnology in their professional work in various fields. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)

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Comments - 15

Noah Don Thursday, 10 April 2014 03:03 AM

More unemployed drg peddelars from Pakistan and Bangaledesh can come and add to the prison population in SL.

Calistus Perera Thursday, 10 April 2014 03:11 AM

WOW!! Great News!!!

Punny Pellow Thursday, 10 April 2014 03:31 AM

Api Kalu the?

Abby Thursday, 10 April 2014 09:22 AM

I think finally the hangman has become permanent.
Not to sound very negative but before issuing work permits i think the government should look into the unemployment of todays youth. We Sri Lankans have better literacy and this talent should be tapped and given the opportunity. via DM Android App

gusgemba Thursday, 10 April 2014 03:55 AM

We have many educated and capable people who are struggling without proper jobs, We don't need foreigners in our workforce to take away our bread and butter.

Kiris Baba Amaray Thursday, 10 April 2014 04:14 AM

Its a good move Sir. Go a head....

Karigalan Thursday, 10 April 2014 04:48 AM

This may increase our productivity also

accept the fact we are slow worker

a good move Mr president

flatwhite Thursday, 10 April 2014 04:54 AM

Kiris why you are jobless overseas and looking for a job back home. I though you mentioned about SL being a ruined country

RoaringCreek Thursday, 10 April 2014 05:09 AM

Taking of "Nano Technology", why not start manufacturing tooth picks in Sri Lanka.

lalith Thursday, 10 April 2014 05:10 AM

I am happy to realize that a Sri Lankan earns on average 35000 LKR already and that they will get a salary increase of about 8000 LKR very soon. I never knew that bus- , three Wheel drivers, Street cleaners, estate workers, girls in Free trade zones, Fishermen etc are earning that amount. Long live Sri Lankans with your income! Bravo government! Best in the world!

Ara Thursday, 10 April 2014 06:05 AM

literacy alone won't help
you need the right skills!

tony Thursday, 10 April 2014 07:15 AM

CHINESE ARE COMING! CHINESE ARE COMING TO STAY FOR GOOD

riz Thursday, 10 April 2014 06:55 PM

Here comes the chinese...

Gowrie Rajapakshe Friday, 11 April 2014 10:24 AM

Sri Lanka is the only country in this world which allows foreigners without any education qualifications

k.m krishandhan Thursday, 20 November 2014 12:48 PM

Plzzz sir help me I want foreign job

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Work permits for foreign experts approved

Comments - 15

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