Sri Lanka and Qatar have discussed expanding employment opportunities and strengthening protection for Sri Lankan workers in Qatar.
The discussions took place at the latest meeting of the Sri Lanka–Qatar Joint Labour Committee in Doha.
The meeting focused on formalising recruitment processes, ensuring ethical and transparent hiring, and improving worker welfare and protection.
The session was co-chaired by Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al Thani, Undersecretary of Qatar’s Ministry of Labour, and Aruna Hemachandra, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment.
More Jobs for Skilled Sri Lankans
Both sides discussed creating more employment opportunities in Qatar for trained and professionally qualified Sri Lankan workers.
They also discussed the mutual recognition of professional qualifications. This could help qualified Sri Lankan workers access employment opportunities that match their skills.
The two countries also looked at ways to improve coordination between their relevant institutions.
Worker Issues Also Discussed
The meeting reviewed practical issues faced by Sri Lankan workers in Qatar.
Both sides stressed the need to maintain an effective process through the Joint Labour Committee to address labour-related matters.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Qatar Sithara Khan, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Sugath Yalegama, and Foreign Employment Bureau Director General S.M.S.D. Gunasinghe were among the Sri Lankan delegation.
The meeting comes as Sri Lanka and Qatar mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.
The discussions covered expanded job opportunities, skills development, fair recruitment practices and stronger protection of workers’ rights.
Bilateral Discussions Diplomatic Relations
Last modified: September 22, 2026
