The aim of the Ministerial Consultations has been to provide a forum for Asian labour sending states to share experiences, discuss issues and identify steps for follow-up in the form of recommendations and operational modalities. In the light of the issues and discussions with participants, the topics covered in the consultations were organised under three thematic areas:
- Protection of migrant workers and services to migrant workers;
- Optimising benefits of organised labour migration; and,
- Institutional capacity building and inter state cooperation.
The consultations were planned over two days in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The first day was devoted to a preparatory meeting of senior officials. The ministerial meeting followed on the second day, preceded by an inaugural session. Participants were invited from the main sending countries in Asia, including, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. The Sri Lankan Government hosted and chaired the consultations.
The Government of Sri Lanka noted that this activity is a key government priority, and requested consideration of 1035 Facility funding in that light.