Over 212,000 Sri Lankans depart for foreign jobs in first eight months

More than 212,000 Sri Lankans have left the country for overseas employment during the first eight months of this year, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) announced.  

According to official data, a total of 212,302 workers secured foreign jobs between January and August 2025. Of this number, 130,252 were men and 82,050 were women, marking a significant increase in the departure of male workers compared to previous years.  

Kuwait remained the top destination, attracting 53,159 Sri Lankan workers during the period.  

Meanwhile, Sri Lankans working abroad sent home USD 5.11 billion in remittances in the first eight months of 2025, providing a vital boost to the country’s economy, the Bureau said.