The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, met with the General Manager of the Gulf Health Council (GHC), Suleiman Saleh Aldakheel, and senior officials at its headquarters in Riyadh on 23 February 2026.
During the meeting, Ambassador Ajwad discussed several matters relating to the medical examination of Sri Lankan foreign employment seekers bound for GCC countries, particularly the difficulties encountered by Sri Lanka’s foreign employment sector in fulfilling the recently introduced mandatory meningococcal vaccine requirement imposed by the Gulf Health Council for migrant workers entering GCC countries. The Ambassador sought a grace period for the implementation of this requirement in view of the current scarcity of the meningococcal vaccine in Sri Lanka.
In response, the officials of the Gulf Health Council took prompt action to grant a temporary exemption from the mandatory vaccination requirement until sufficient vaccine stocks are made available in Sri Lanka. This exemption facilitates the smooth departure of a large number of Sri Lankan nationals bound for foreign employment in GCC countries.
The discussions also focused on other challenges faced by Sri Lankan foreign employment seekers in fulfilling their medical requirements. The GHC officials readily provided clarifications and possible solutions to the issues raised.
Both sides agreed to continue engaging closely to ensure the welfare of Sri Lankan migrant workers and to raise awareness of the updated requirements and procedures of the GHC. General Manager Aldakheel also agreed to a proposal made by Ambassador Ajwad to conduct a virtual meeting with the participation of all relevant stakeholders, with a view to addressing the challenges encountered.
Also present at the meeting were Deputy General Manager, Riyadh Saleh Alazzam; Director of the Wafid Programme of the GHC, Abdullah Ibrahim Alangari as well as Minister/ Head of Chancery, Mohamed Anas and Counsellor (Employment and Welfare), Mangala Randeniya of the Embassy.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Riyadh
27 February 2026
