Ratnapura – The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the State Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotions and Market Diversification (SMFEPMD) and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), recently (21/02) launched a residential training programme on advanced domestic housekeeping.

The new curriculum, which IOM developed in consultation with the technical committee comprised of the Government of Sri Lanka, including the SMFEPMD, SLBFE and industry partners, aims to prepare aspirant female migrant workers with the required skills-set to better meet foreign market demands with high earning potential. The 40-day training programme which includes a 33-day in-house training followed by seven days of on-the-job training (OJT) at Serene Pavilions luxury boutique hotel in Wadduwa, was delivered by IOM with its delivery partner, Together with Youth (GTE) Ltd.

Mr. W. Leelarathna, Senior Manager (Sabaragamuwa Province), SLBFE, noted that “skills enhancement of migrant workers, particularly female domestic housekeepers, was a long felt need and a priority focus of the SLBFE. Well trained migrant workers with required skills not only attract higher earning potential but would also ensure safe and dignified employment overseas.” Sarat Dash, Chief of Mission to IOM Sri Lanka and Maldives, affirmed that “the design and implementation of this programme to train aspirant migrants, women, with essential skills to meet overseas market needs is a timely initiative and IOM is pleased that we are able to support the project with funding from IOM Development Fund.” The curriculum focuses on all aspects of housekeeping, food and beverages, caregiving, soft skills, language training in Arabic and English, and an orientation to the culture and traditions of their country of destination. During the OJT, the trainees gained hands-on experience with the housekeeping, kitchen, and food and beverages teams at the hotel. Following the successful completion of training, all trainees are expected to secure foreign employment through the Association of Licensed Foreign Employment Agencies (ALFEA).

The certification ceremony was held on 31 March 2022 at the SLBFE Ratnapura Training Centre with the attendance of key officials from the SLBFE, ALFEA, IOM, Together with Youth, and the Organization of Environment and Children Rights Preservation, a local NGO that supported the project delivery.

IOM Development funds provide a unique global resource aimed at supporting developing Member States in their efforts to strengthen their migration management capacity. The Fund also provides essential “seed funding” for innovative projects.

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For more information please contact: Shantha Kulasekara, Programme Manager, IOM, Sri Lanka and Maldives, Tel: +94 11 532 53 00, Email: skulasekara@iom.int