The Foreign Employment Bureau and Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations have requested Lankans going for employment abroad to temporarily postpone their plans due to the coronavirus worldwide emergency.

The SLBFE says that the Embassies of Sri Lanka have been informed to take necessary action on Sri Lankan workers currently working in the countries where coronavirus has spread.

The COVID-19 has spread in more than 115 countries around the world as of yesterday. Considering the prevalence and impact of the coronavirus, the World Health Organization has declared a worldwide emergency.

Asian and European countries, including West Asia, where most of the Sri Lankans work, have been affected by the coronavirus. Accordingly, Qatar and Kuwait have temporarily suspended flights to and out of their countries are due to take further action in the future.

A special telephone number has been introduced in Sri Lanka missions for overseas workers to receive information. In addition information can be obtained by calling the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) hot line 1989.

For Sri Lankans who are currently working overseas and those who wish to go abroad, future decisions should be taken on the advice of the relevant authorities of the respective countries.

The SLBFE also urges the migrant workers to follow the advice of the respective health sectors if they proceed to work in the affected countries.