The Sri Lankan government has requested Maldives to ease restrictions and revisit the limit imposed on foreign remittances sent by migrant workers.

There is a strong Sri Lankan expatriate community working in the Maldives, mainly in the hospitality and education sectors.

However, banks limit the amount of dollars that can be sent as remittances per month. Different banks have set different limits, ranging from USD 250 to USD 300.

“I also requested the Maldives side to consider to revisit the current limit imposed on outward foreign currency remittances for the benefit of Sri Lankan migrant workers in Maldives,” Economy Next quoted Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry.

Between 15,000 and 20,000 Sri Lankans work in Maldives.

Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer paid an official visit to Sri Lanka last week. During the visit, the two countries held talks on various topics, including the issue of remittances.

Maldives requested to facilitate permanent residency visas for the elderly Maldivians who wish to reside in Sri Lanka.

The discussions also included issuing an on-arrival 90-day visa to Maldivians. According to the Maldives government, Sri Lanka has agreed to facilitate the visa.