The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment has raised death compensation for registered migrant workers from Rs. 600,000 to Rs. 2 million, combining existing insurance payouts with additional funding from the Migrant Workers' Welfare Fund.

Families of registered Sri Lankan migrant workers who die while employed abroad will now receive increased death compensation under a revised programme introduced by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). The new total compensation of Rs. 2 million combines the existing Rs. 600,000 insurance payout with an additional Rs. 1.4 million provided through the Migrant Workers' Welfare Fund, according to reporting from NewsWire. However, NewsFirst reports the increase as Rs. 1.4 million, suggesting possible ambiguity about whether this represents the total increase or the total new payment.

The enhanced compensation applies to registered migrant workers whose deaths occurred on or after June 25, 2025. Initial disbursements were made on September 10, 2026, with Rs. 70 million distributed to the families and beneficiaries of 50 deceased workers. NewsFirst indicates that over 160 families in total are eligible to receive compensation under the revised scheme.

The SLBFE determined that the previous Rs. 600,000 compensation was insufficient to address the financial hardships faced by families following a migrant worker's death. Rather than introduce additional insurance premiums paid by workers or recruitment agencies, authorities opted to fund the supplement through the Migrant Workers' Welfare Fund. Based on death compensation claims recorded between 2022 and 2024, the SLBFE estimates approximately Rs. 231 million will be required annually to support these additional payments.

The programme was implemented under the direction of Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath and supervision of Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra. Officials stated the initiative aims to strengthen welfare, financial security and social protection for Sri Lankan migrant workers and their families.