The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) reaffirmed that the safety, dignity, and fundamental rights of Bhutanese workers overseas remain non-negotiable.
Speaking at the 21st Meet-the-Press session, MoICE Minister, Namgyal Dorji, said the government’s overseas employment initiatives are guided by the National Strategy for Overseas Employment 2022, which ensures that every placement is safe, secure, and career-enhancing.
Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji said that every foreign employer and Bhutanese recruitment agent undergoes rigorous screening and verification, with demand letters rejected if they fail to meet welfare and safety standards.
To enhance protection and awareness, pre-departure briefings, now mandatory for both candidates and their parents, equip workers with essential information on their rights, available grievance mechanisms, and host-country laws.
MoICE has also introduced real-time communication channels, enabling workers to contact officials directly for assistance. For those returning home due to unsafe conditions, the National Reintegration Program provides both economic and psycho-social support.
Meanwhile, the Regulation on Bhutanese Overseas Employment (2021) is being revised to include stricter safeguards and penalties for recruitment violations.
In coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MoFAET), MoICE continues to monitor Bhutanese workers abroad, with embassies and consulates offering rapid response and support to those in distress.
The Foreign Minister also urged all Bhutanese working overseas to register with Bhutanese embassies and consulates, emphasizing that registration enables embassies to provide timely assistance in emergencies.
According to MoFAET, there are currently Bhutanese citizens working in 144 countries, reflecting the growing scale of overseas employment. However, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji stressed that the expansion must go hand-in-hand with strong protection systems.
Prime Minister, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, also cautioned Bhutanese jobseekers to go abroad only through registered overseas employment agencies, warning that unverified recruitment channels pose high risks of exploitation and abuse.
