Sri Lanka has continued to strengthen its labour ties with South Korea, with 60 more skilled workers leaving for jobs in the manufacturing sector this week. According to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, the new group brings the total number of Sri Lankans deployed to South Korea this year to 2,522.
The latest batch included seven women, reflecting a growing interest among young Sri Lankan women in seeking employment opportunities in South Korea. Officials noted that a total of 85 women have left for South Korea so far in 2025, a significant increase compared to previous years when female participation in the program was lower.
The jobs are available under the E-9 visa system, based on an agreement between Sri Lanka’s Bureau of Foreign Employment and South Korea’s Human Resources Development Institute. This program allows Sri Lankans to work in manufacturing, construction, fisheries, and agriculture. Workers are permitted to stay for up to four years and ten months, after which they can return home and later reapply for re-entry.
In 2024, Sri Lanka sent 7,122 workers to South Korea, making it one of the most popular destinations for Sri Lankan migrants seeking stable, high-paying employment. South Korea has consistently ranked as a preferred choice due to better working conditions and higher wages compared to many Middle Eastern destinations.
A government spokesperson said that South Korea has become a crucial labour market for Sri Lanka, not only because of the steady demand for workers but also because of the remittances they send home. Migrant worker remittances remain one of the country’s largest sources of foreign exchange, providing vital support for the Sri Lankan economy.
The increase in female participation is seen as a positive trend, giving more women access to overseas employment and greater economic independence. Authorities say they are working to ensure better training, language preparation, and safety measures for female workers entering foreign labour markets.
With thousands more workers expected to be deployed in the coming months, officials believe Sri Lanka’s partnership with South Korea will continue to expand, creating opportunities for both skilled men and women in multiple industries.