IPS Contributes to Policy Dialogues on Social Protection for Migrant Domestic Workers

“The problem is not the absence of protection or political will, but a fundamental mismatch between how social protection systems are designed and the actual lives of migrant domestic workers,” explained Dr Bilesha Weeraratne, Research Fellow and Head of Migration and Urbanisation Policy Research at the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS), in her presentation at recent policy dialogues on social protection for migrant domestic workers. Dr Weeraratne played a central role in two policy dialogues convened by the International Labour Organization at the ITC Ratnadipa in Colombo on 23 and 24 April 2026, which focused on addressing gaps in social protection for migrant care and domestic workers across the migration lifecycle. She contributed as a discussant and presenter, shaping research-informed discussion on structural weaknesses within existing protection systems affecting migrant workers and their families.

At the event on 23 April, Dr Weeraratne drew attention to emerging challenges faced by returning migrant care workers in Sri Lanka. She noted that many returnees are ageing, may experience strained family relationships following long periods overseas, and could struggle to rely on family-based support, highlighting the need to strengthen social protection and support mechanisms for old age.

At the session held on 24 April, Dr Weeraratne highlighted that the key challenge is not a lack of political will or protection mechanisms, but a fundamental mismatch between social protection system design and the realities of migrant work. “Social protection systems are designed around stable, formal, and nationally bounded employment. Workers move, but protection systems do not,” discussed Dr Weeraratne.

The dialogues advanced evidence-based discussions on the need for more coordinated and gender-responsive social protection systems that reflect the realities of labour migration. Dr Weeraratne’s contributions reinforced IPS’ role in linking research with policy to inform more inclusive and sustainable protection frameworks for migrant workers.