A pension scheme for migrant workers

One election pledge by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse which most progressive-minded persons are likely to hope would be faithfully implemented when he comes to power is the pension scheme for expatriate Lankan workers.

Today, the stark fact is that these migrant workers have become this country's veritable bread-winners on account constituting a factor which brings in a substantial amount of foreign exchange to the country.

It is only fair that the future of these workers is rendered stable through the installation of at least a pension scheme which would stand them in good stead in their twilight years.

The Premier has done right by highlighting this issue because it is seemingly forgotten by most sections - including the ruling elite - that it is these workers who are accounting for the bulk of our foreign exchange earnings.

In fact, if it were not for these workers - a considerable number of whom are women - overseas travels, jaunts and merry-making by the more powerful and affluent sections of society, including the ruling elite, would not be possible.

For, these migrant workers ensure that the Treasury coffers do not go completely dry. There is always some cash coming in, thanks to these workers who sacrifice almost their all for the sake of these jobs which would in turn help in securing some of their vital needs, such as building a homestead.

What do some of these workers, particularly women, get in return? Humiliation and suffering. This was borne out recently by the horrifying ordeal suffered by one of our prospective female migrant workers at the hands of none other than some BIA personnel, within the precincts of this international airport of repute, itself.

On Saturday we called for quick justice for this unfortunate woman who was gang-raped and who had her womanhood thoroughly besmirched and ruined.

The disgraceful episode at the BIA proved the extreme vulnerability of the Lankan woman in general and of the female migrant workers in particular. We agree totally with Premier Rajapakse that the well-being of these women must be quickly secured and that they be provided all the facilities which would make their sad lot easier to bear.

Generally speaking, these workers must be provided intensive training programs - through State intervention, of course - to enable them to meet their future needs, job-related and otherwise. It is very doubtful whether this is being done satisfactorily at present.

Despite frequent reports that the needs of these workers are being met through the facilitation of State agencies, the "horror stories" involving some of our women migrant workers which now and then come to the attention of the public, prove otherwise.

What is being done, for instance, about tyrannical overseas employers who reduce some of these women to the deplorable condition of sex slaves? What is being done about employers who disregard with callous disdain, the terms of their employment contracts, particularly in relation to wages?

Therefore, our rulers who are democratically installed, are conscious and duty-bound to ease the lot of our expatriate workers. They are a major foreign exchange earner and their future must be secured through the provision of at least better welfare measures.

There is no doubt that these workers must acquire better skills to deal with present day challenges. A knowledge of the English Language, for instance, is a must. Equally important are more implementable rights.