Putting the brakes on migration a no-win situation

THE Government has decided to do away with the five year no-pay leave granted to public sector employees with effect from 1 January 2026.

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The no-pay leave system was introduced in 2022 by a Cabinet decision amidst the economic crisis. The leave was granted to pensionable officers without prejudice to their seniority.

Public Administration Ministry Secretary S. Aloka Bandara said the Cabinet has approved a proposal to cancel the five-year leave option, which was used by many to seek alternate employment either locally or overseas. The Government said there will be no leave extension for those who have already obtained such leave, while fresh applications will also no longer be processed.

The system was introduced during the economic crisis as there was the need to reduce the salary bill of the Government, but it has also led to many professionals including doctor’s engineers, nurses and many others leaving the country to take up jobs overseas. This in turn led to a shortage in many areas particularly in the medical field.