COLOMBO (Agencies): In a significant development, Sri Lanka is poised to send hundreds of nurses to bolster Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system. These nurses will be deployed across various regions of the Kingdom, addressing the growing demand for medical and paramedical professionals.
The recruitment process kicked off in Colombo this week, with oversight from both the Saudi Ministry of Health and Sri Lanka’s Labor and Foreign Employment Minister, Manusha Nanayakkara.
Sanjay Nallaperuma, media secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Foreign Employment, emphasized the strategic need for skilled healthcare workers. “Saudi Arabia seeks medical personnel from countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka,” he stated. The initial goal is to recruit 1,000 nurses over the next 12 months.
During the first phase, 95 qualified nurses were selected out of a pool of 400 candidates. These nurses hold Bachelor of Science degrees and will soon be posted in government hospitals throughout the Kingdom.
Nursing plays a pivotal role globally, and Saudi Arabia recognizes its significance. As the Kingdom invests in healthcare, nursing has emerged as one of the most sought-after professions.
The deployment of these 95 nurses is scheduled for May, with another recruitment phase planned for August. Their employment in Saudi Arabia, where the average nurse salary stands at $1,400, will not only address healthcare needs but also contribute to Sri Lanka’s economy.
Sri Lanka faces economic challenges, exacerbated by a severe financial crisis since 2022. With over 200,000 migrant workers leaving the country annually, foreign exchange from remittances remains crucial. Among Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Saudi Arabia remains a preferred destination for Sri Lankan workers.