Remittance through foreign employment increases in 2025

Over 144,000  Lankans left for foreign employment in the  first half of 2025 and remittances showed an increase during the period, latest statistics revealed. Also male migration increased significantly during the period. 

The statistics showed remittances increased by nearly 19%.

A total of 144,379 Sri Lankans have gone abroad for employment during the first six months of 2025, according to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). 

The data indicates a significant increase in male workers, with 88,684 men leaving for overseas jobs compared to 55,695 women during the same period.

The largest number of workers—38,806—departed to Kuwait, while 28,973 went to the United Arab Emirates and 21,958 to Qatar, underscoring the continued dominance of Middle Eastern nations as top destinations.

However, authorities have observed a shifting trend in migration patterns. An increasing number of Sri Lankans are seeking employment in East Asian countries, with 6,073 going to Japan and 3,134 to South Korea, reflecting a gradual diversification beyond the traditional Gulf job markets.

In terms of economic impact, remittances from overseas workers reached US$ 3.73 billion in the first half of 2025, marking an 18.9% increase from the US$ 3.14 billion recorded during the same period in 2024. June alone saw remittances totaling US$ 635.7 million, showcasing the vital role foreign employment continues to play in Sri Lanka’s economy.

The SLBFE has expressed confidence that total remittances could reach US$ 7 billion by the end of the year, bolstering the country’s foreign reserves and offering some relief amid ongoing economic challenges