Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has paid Rs 25 million as compensation to families of migrant workers who died overseas during the period January to July.

The compensation for 57 deaths was paid to family members by the insurance policy of the SLBFE. Rs.500, 000 was paid for sudden deaths while Rs 250,000 was paid for deaths due to sickness, the Government Information Department said.

In addition for medical treatment and for disabilities 727 people have been paid Rs 24 million. During the last seven months these monies were spent for air tickets to get down migrant workers who became disabled or compensation was paid to family members.

According to SLBFE statistics in 2015 for 174 deaths of migrant workers Rs 71 million was paid as compensation while for medical treatment and disabilities Rs 64 million was given on behalf of 2931 migrant workers.

For migrant workers registration with the SLBFE is mandatory and this entitles the worker for compensation in the event of death, sickness or disability. The insurance cover is given free of charge.