IOM Sri Lanka and Maldives

26/10/2026

For families of migrant workers, the right support at the right time can make a meaningful difference. 💙

Together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, IOM Sri Lanka officially launched the project, “Strengthening Institutional Coordination and Systems for the Welfare of Migrant Workers and Their Families Left Behind.”

🤝🏽 The project aims to strengthen how institutions work together to address the social, economic and welfare needs of migrant workers and their families.

A Project Steering Committee, led by Dr. Sugath Yalegama, Additional Secretary to the Ministry, has been established to guide the project, with support from IOM.

The project will focus on:

🔹 Stronger coordination among government institutions and stakeholders
🔹 Stronger systems to identify and respond to families’ needs
🔹 More accessible, gender-sensitive and family-centred services
🔹 Greater institutional capacity throughout the migration cycle

Together with the Government of Sri Lanka, IOM is working to ensure migrant workers’ families receive the care, protection and support they need.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Sri Lanka

22/10/2026

📜 Shaping the Future of Inbound Labour Migration in Sri Lanka

As Sri Lanka continues to evolve as a destination for migrant workers, a clear and coordinated policy framework is essential to ensure that inbound labour migration is well governed, protects the rights and well-being of migrant workers, and contributes to national development priorities.

The Ministry of Labour, with technical assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is advancing the development of Sri Lanka’s National Inbound Labour Migration Policy and National Action Plan (2027–2031).

🤝🏽As part of this process, representatives from the four Core Policy Area Working Groups came together for a consultative workshop to identify key priorities, exchange expertise, and strengthen coordination towards a comprehensive and coherent approach to inbound labour migration.

🌏 Through government leadership, technical expertise and stakeholder collaboration, this initiative aims to strengthen migration governance while promoting safe, orderly and regular migration that benefits both migrant workers and the nation as a whole.

Ministry of Labour

21/10/2026

🌟 Vacancy Announcement

Looking to kick-start your career in ICT? Gain hands-on experience and learn with IOM Sri Lanka as an ICT Intern in Colombo.

➡️ Apply before 28 October : https://bit.ly/4dN5Z79

19/10/2026

🚨 Not every job ad tells the full story.

➡️Launched today in .

The “What the Job Ad Isn’t Showing You” campaign exposes the risks of trafficking into cyber-scam centres and promotes safer overseas employment — a campaign by Freedom Collaborative, Capital Maharajah Group, Sri Lanka’s National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, UK International Development, the Bali Process Regional Support Office and IOM.

16/10/2026

🌍 Exploring Global Opportunities Through Informed Migration

IOM partnered with the International Career and Education Expo (iCEE 2026), jointly organized by ITN Sri Lanka , ITN Campus and JJL Overseas Education, engaging with over 1,000 prospective international students.

The expo provided an opportunity to connect with students and parents and share information on IOM's migration-related services, including:

✅ Document Verification Solutions Programme: Supporting Immigration New Zealand for over two decades, backed by ISO 9001:2015 certification.

✅ Migrant Health Assessments: For those pursuing migration to New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

✅ Public Awareness and Engagement: Sharing information on IOM’s services to support informed migration decisions.

Through partnerships and public engagement, IOM continues to promote informed choices and support safe, orderly, and regular migration.

14/10/2026

Shaping safer resettlement with communities

highlighted the vulnerabilities of families living in high-risk areas, highlighting the importance of informed, community-centred approaches to resettlement and long-term recovery.

With funding from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, IOM, together with UNOPS Sri Lanka and UN-Habitat Sri Lanka and under the technical leadership of the National Building Research Institute - NBRI is supporting efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka’s climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

📍 Across five districts, IOM gathered insights from affected communities to help inform safer resettlement processes and ensure that recovery efforts reflect the needs and priorities of those affected.

Working with the Government of Sri Lanka and partners, IOM is supporting safer, community-centred recovery and resettlement solutions that contribute to long-term resilience in .

13/10/2026

There's truly no place like home.

Coming from a family of farmers 🧑🏽‍🌾 Nimani has witnessed firsthand how disasters and extreme weather events ️ are affecting both livelihoods and daily life. Despite these challenges, leaving her home is the last option.

Her story reflects a growing reality across Sri Lanka: climate disasters are forcing families to choose between the homes they love and their survival.

This , we are reminded that every person deserves a home that can withstand the hazards around it.

In 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka, solutions are already taking shape.

Supported by the European Union, IOM is working across 7 countries in South Asia 🌏 to bridge the gap between climate data and action on human mobility and displacement - helping build a safer and more resilient future for families like Nimani's💚

European Union in Sri Lanka and the Maldives

13/10/2026

Strengthening Partnerships for Effective Migration Governance 🇱🇰 🇮🇹

IOM facilitated the handover of official sample immigration documents, known as Specimen Immigration Documents, from the Embassy of Italy in Colombo 🇮🇹 to the Examiner of Questioned Documents at the Government Analyst's Department.

The documents will support authorities to:

✅ Verify and examine immigration documents more effectively
✅ Strengthen the skills and knowledge of relevant officials
✅ Improve the detection of fraudulent documents to support effective migration management.

The handover was attended by H.E. Damiano Francovigh, Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka, and his Deputy Mr. Alberto Arcidiacono. The documents were formally received by Mr. Sampath Kaluarachchi, Examiner of Questioned Documents at the Government Analyst's Department, together with representatives from IOM.

This collaboration highlights the value of international partnerships in strengthening expertise, enhancing cooperation, and supporting effective migration management.

🌐 IOM and the the Embassy of Italy in Colombo remain committed to working with the Government of Sri Lanka and partners to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration.

Italy in Colombo

10/10/2026

🌿 Every migration journey is different, but no one should face it alone.

This World Mental Health Day, we celebrate the strength and resilience of migrants everywhere and reaffirm that mental health and psychosocial support should be accessible to all.

In Sri Lanka, support is available through Government helplines:

📞 1926 | National Mental Health Helpline
📞 +94 11 2682535 | Sri Lanka Sumithrayo

07/10/2026