A crucial discussion in this regard was held between the Minister and the Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand Andrew Traveller yeaterday.

The Deputy High Commissioner told Labour Minister Manusha Nanayakkara that they will provide support and necessary funds for the establishment of an Immigration Resource Centre in Sri Lanka.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to be signed between the two countries and it is to be reviewed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry as well as the Cabinet. If the Immigration Resource Centre is approved, it will be established at an appropriate location chosen by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).

New Zealand will provide assistance for a period of three years after the establishment of the centre.

Through this project, programmes are to be implemented to raise awareness among vulnerable people regarding safe migration and foreign employment and it will also play a crucial role in preventing human trafficking and irregular migration.

If successful, similar programmes are planned covering all provinces in the island.

(Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)