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Cabinet officials

Lebanon Agrees to Conduct Free PCR Tests for Repatriated Sri Lankans

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Sri Lankan government's efforts to repatriate citizens stranded overseas due to the COVID-19 pandemic have received a significant boost after the Lebanese government agreed to conduct free PCR tests for Sri Lankans seeking to return home. The development came after a meeting between Ambassador Shani Calyaneratne Karunaratne and Lebanese Minister of Labour, Madame Lamia Yammine, at the Labour Ministry premises on June 1, 2020.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lebanese government has agreed to conduct free PCR tests for Sri Lankans seeking to be repatriated, following a meeting between Ambassador Shani Calyaneratne Karunaratne and Lebanese Minister of Labour, Madame Lamia Yammine.
  • The agreement was made after the Ambassador requested assistance from Lebanon to conduct the PCR test on a free-of-charge basis, which would enable the Embassy to prepare for the returnees to leave.
  • The Minister agreed to waive the nominal fee of USD 20 per person, and subsequently, on June 4, 2020, the Cabinet announced that the USD 20 fee would be waived, and the PCR test would be conducted free of charge.
  • A significant number of Sri Lankan migrant workers have been affected by the economic crisis in Lebanon, and many have been facing unpaid salaries and health issues.
  • The Ambassador and the Minister also discussed the pending MOU on migrant Labour from Sri Lanka and the Unified contract, minimum wage, and worker's rights.
  • Counsellor (E&W) of the Embassy P.K.T Hettiarachchi and Head of the Department of International Affairs of the Ministry Denise Dahrouj also attended the meeting.

Statistics:

  • The nominal fee for PCR test was USD 20 per person, which was waived by the Lebanese government.
  • The number of Sri Lakan migrant workers affected by the economic crisis in Lebanon has been significant, impacting their livelihoods and health.
  • The Lebanese government has agreed to conduct free PCR tests for Sri Lankans seeking to be repatriated.

Sources:

  • The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beirut.
  • The Labour Ministry premises.
  • Lebanon's Directorate of General Security (Immigration Department).
  • Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Ada Derana.

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