In an attempt to streamline entry of foreign workers in the country, the ministry of labour and human resources in collaboration with the department of immigration, will soon start biometric system. The labour minister, Ngeema Sangay Tshempo, was speaking to the Foreign Workers’ Recruitment Agencies in Phuentsogling.
According to officials the biometric system would help in preventing identity theft of the recruited workers, as their fingerprints would be taken while obtaining their immigration clearance.
Another measure Lyonpo said, would be through skill assessment of the foreign workers. “Even if they are not skilled, some foreign workers enter the country saying they are carpenter, masons or electricians.
“Once inside, they are either running other businesses or are into unlawful activities. So, with the skill assessment procedure, they will have to undergo skill assessment test during recruitment and only if they get through then they will be allowed in the country.”
The agents also requested the minister to relook at the ministry’s decision to do away with mandatory recruitment of foreign workers through the agents since last month.
“We depend on this business for our livelihood. Moreover, every agent employs a minimum of three people and their job now, with the decision seems at stake. We have also invested huge amount of money for the establishment of the agency. So we would be grateful if the ministry could look into our problems and consider,” said Tenzin Dorji, one of the agents.
Many supported Tenzin’s submission.
To this, Lyonpo said that the ministry was looking at other alternatives considering the current situation of the agents. He, however, added that the agents, on their part would now have to be more competitive and proactive in capturing the market.
The regional labour and human resources office in Phuentsholing also shared that despite the circular, there were some contractors recruiting foreign workers through the agents. “That means, some agents are better in providing prompt services,” according to the regional office.
