Arundika reveals businessmen who have exploited migrant workers

The President, however, realised their attempts and has now issued instructions to handle the situation fairly and assist those who are repatriated. He said that the airfares are high because airlines that used to carry 300-400 passengers can now carry only around 50, resulting in high prices due to the overheads costs.

The President, therefore, has advised the authorities to pay special attention to the low-income migrant workers who want to return from the Middle Eastern countries and to facilitate them, he said.

State Minister Arundika Fernando highlighted the plight of those returning from Italy and other European countries and said that the cost of the airfare is not their issue. “Some approach them seeking bribes to include them on the priority lists and when they come to airports, they are told that they could be taken, only if they agree to undergo quarantine at hotels. We have notified the President about this situation and to implement a mechanism in this regard,” he said.