4 October 2010 03:17 am
The “extremely urgent” call followed disputes between the Sri Lankan Labor Union (ALFIA) and the Sri Lankan Labor Office, which could lead to delays in the arrival of workers to the Kingdom. It is also a response to the Sri Lankan media’s negative portrayal of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the National Recruitment Committee and ALFIA which was due to come into effect on Sep.10.
The MoU signed with ALFIA set recruitment charges at a maximum of SR5,500 for housemaids.
The Sri Lankan Ministry of Labor reportedly backtracked on the pretext that the MoU will deprive the Lankan economy of an additional income of over $50 million.
Recruitment offices in the Eastern Province said Sunday that most of them had already put the suspension into effect, and that with the situation currently “unclear” it would remain in force.
“Most offices are now turning to Indonesia as a viable alternative,” said one office representative. “Indonesia remains committed to the MoU it signed and which came into effect early Ramadan.”
The MoU with Indonesia sets recruitment costs at SR6,000, with visa fees on top.
Saudi Gazette