Minimum wages of Sri Lankan migrant workers in the Middle East will be raised from 2017, according to Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake. This decision has been taken considering the high living expenses and house construction costs of farmers and other low-income workers.

Government sources claim that there is a US$ 300 minimum wage for expatriate workers.

However, the imposition of minimum wages could also result in the least skilled workers being unable to find employment.