Cabinet approves new labour mobility agreement with Japan

Friday, 12 June 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet of Ministers earlier this week approved the signing of a new bilateral agreement with Japan that will enable Sri Lankan workers to access employment opportunities under Japan’s newly introduced Employment for Skill Development program, which is scheduled to come into effect on 1 April 2027.

Japan has introduced the program as part of efforts to address labour shortages arising from its declining population, ageing demographic, and shrinking domestic workforce. The initiative is designed to attract foreign workers with skilled and semi-skilled expertise to support key sectors of the Japanese economy.

Sri Lankan workers are currently employed in Japan through the Technical Intern Training Program and other employment schemes established under cooperation agreements between the two countries approved by the Cabinet in 2017 and 2019.

According to the Government, the new program seeks to establish a more transparent, worker-centred, and sustainable labour mobility framework. It includes provisions aimed at enhancing the protection and welfare of foreign workers, creating clearer career development pathways and providing opportunities to transition into Japan’s specific skilled worker program.

The proposed agreement between Sri Lanka and Japan will facilitate the participation of Sri Lankan workers in the new scheme and expand employment opportunities in the Japanese labour market.

The Cabinet approval paves the way for formalising cooperation between the two countries ahead of the program’s implementation in 2027, strengthening labour mobility and skills development opportunities for Sri Lankan workers seeking overseas employment.