The number of Sri Lankans leaving for foreign employment reached 25,622 in July 2026, marking the year's highest monthly figure and reflecting increased opportunities through bilateral agreements.
Sri Lanka experienced a notable uptick in overseas job departures during July, with 25,622 citizens leaving for foreign employment, according to data released by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). This represented a 4.84% increase compared to June, when 24,440 workers departed, making it the strongest month for overseas employment departures so far this year.
The SLBFE attributed the rising trend to recently concluded employment agreements between the Sri Lankan government and several key destination countries. During July alone, 2,521 workers departed for Israel, 1,618 for South Korea, and 79 for Japan under these bilateral arrangements. The bureau also highlighted efforts to facilitate job placements, presenting airline tickets to 14 young Sri Lankans who had secured positions in Japan across manufacturing, construction, caregiving, and agricultural sectors.
Remittances from Sri Lankan migrant workers continued to provide crucial foreign exchange support for the country. According to SLBFE figures, overseas-based workers sent USD 4.6 billion back to Sri Lanka during the first half of 2026, underscoring the significant economic contribution of the diaspora during a period of economic challenges.
