Church finds ways to help vulnerable migrants

Sri Lanka can thank its migrant workers for more than a third of its foreign exchange, however many have experienced severe physical abuse while abroad, says a nun.

A Catholic nun helps migrant workers at the Colombo airport (File photo)

Sister Mary Cathleen, head of Caritas Sri Lanka’s women development unit, says many migrants are poorly paid or mistreated, and some have even been beaten to death by employers.

Their plight was a main concern of 20 nuns from several congregations who met in Colombo Nov. 28-Dec. 2 to work out an effective approach for the Church´s ministry to them.

As a result of discussions, Caritas Sri Lanka and the nuns resolved to do more for migrants by offering guidance and legal assistance, checking contracts and investigating job agents.

The Church workers also plan special assistance for returning workers who were abused, by offering them nursing care, counseling and help seeking compensation from former employers.

The government credits migrant workers for bringing US$3 billion into the country in 2008. Keheliya Rambukwella, minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare, told the UN Committee on Migrant Workers that same year that the workers remittances “stand as the number one net foreign exchange earning source.”

Caritas, known in the country as the Catholic bishops´ Social and Economic Development Centre, also plans to work with the bishops’ conference´s commission on migrants to provide awareness programs. They will run programs for workers preparing to go abroad to brief them on the culture and customs of their destination country, and to give them information on how to contact their embassy in the event of trouble.

Migrant workers arriving at the airport from the Middle East (File photo)

“Better guidance in making good investment choices at home or on self-employment options should help keep would-be migrants home,” said Sister Angela Fernando of the Good Shepherd Service Centre for migration.

The center gets “many complaints of non-payment of wages, physical and mental abuse — the list is endless,” she reported.

Many are tricked into working as maids and cleaners, while others work in slave-like conditions. Many are even abused sexually, she said.

Sister Cathleen remarked that poverty and the difficult job market at home lead many Sri Lankans to seek what they think will be relatively high-paying work overseas, but for some this turns into a nightmare.

While migrants are away, the Church tries to help dependents at home with practical matters, such as dealing with banks, as well as minister to their spiritual needs.