Sri Lankans who are registered with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment will be given priority when repatriating those stranded overseas due to the coronavirus pandemic, said Labour Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva.
However, measures will be taken to repatriate all Sri Lankans anticipating to return to the country, stressed the minister, adding discussions are underway with the Foreign Ministry in this regard.
Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva went on to note, a majority of the Sri Lankans stranded overseas due to COVID-19 have not expressed their interest to be repatriated.
He said as some of them are facing legal battles overseas, they would not receive permission from the host nation to return to the country.
The Minister noted there are multiple legal issues the country will have to face, as many are overseas without a valid visa.
