Project Evaluation of Safe Labour Migration Project in Sri Lanka

The Safe Labour Migration Project in Jaffna, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and implemented by the Social Organizations Networking for Development (SOND), aims to enhance the social and economic benefits for labour migrants and their families in the Jaffna district. Launched in March 2016, this initiative focuses on improving access to information about safe labour practices, enhancing grievance redress mechanisms, and bolstering psychosocial wellbeing for migrants and their families. Additionally, it strengthens the capacities of potential, in-service, and returnee migrant workers to effectively utilize remittances and prepare for reintegration. The project targets four specific Divisional Secretariats in Jaffna, addressing the unique challenges faced by this post-conflict region, and promoting safer and more informed migration practices.

The evaluation of the Safe Labour Migration Project in Jaffna reveals several key findings. Notably, the project has significantly improved access to information on safe labour migration for women and men migrants and their families, with a substantial number of awareness programs and direct engagements reaching over 6,000 beneficiaries. However, challenges remain in the project's implementation strategies, such as the limited effectiveness of repetitive meeting formats and underutilization of innovative communication methods, which could enhance community engagement. The evaluation also highlighted systemic issues in human resource management within SOND, including unclear recruitment policies and high staff turnover, which have impacted the project's efficiency and sustainability. Importantly, the paralegal program aimed at providing legal support did not fully meet its objectives, primarily due to the selection of underqualified individuals. These findings underscore the need for strategic improvements in project management and implementation to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the project.