Sri Lanka–Saudi Arabia Manpower Mobility: Migration Trends and Labour Governance

Abstract

Labour migration has long constituted a central dimension of Sri Lanka’s external economic relations, particularly with Middle Eastern countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Saudi Arabia remains one of the largest destination countries for Sri Lankan migrant workers, contributing substantially to employment creation and foreign exchange inflows through remittances. This paper examines the evolution and contemporary dynamics of the Sri Lanka–Saudi Arabia manpower relationship by analyzing migration trends, remittance flows, labour market transformations, and bilateral policy frameworks. The study further explores recent developments under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms, shifts in skill composition among Sri Lankan migrants, and migrant welfare initiatives. Using a mixed-methods research design that combines secondary data analysis and qualitative insights, the paper identifies persistent challenges including skill mismatches, labour rights vulnerabilities, and reintegration difficulties faced by returnee migrants. The findings highlight the need for strengthened labour governance, skills development, and bilateral cooperation to ensure sustainable and equitable manpower mobility between the two countries.