To prevent exploitation and harassment of Bhutanese workers abroad, the Foreign Ministry has framed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This is following a rescue of two girls who went to Iraq through private individuals in the name of employment agents.
During the Meet the Press yesterday, the Foreign Minister said such cases are a result of lack of proper rules and regulations in place. The Foreign Minister along with police, Department of law and Order and National Commission for Women and Children framed the SOP in the last two weeks.
“In the SOP we deliberated on how to rescue such victims from foreign countries. Secondly, through the Kuwait Ambassador and Delhi Embassy, we have written to all countries where Bhutanese go to work to give us permission to process the visas. And here on we will never have such issues. The current situation is due to the lack of proper regulations and lack of communication between countries,” said Dr Tandin Dorji, the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Lyonpo also added they are trying to create awareness on countries that have proper labour laws and good working conditions. However if Bhutanese chose to go to these countries even after the government’s effort, then there’s nothing much they could do.
“There are trustworthy countries that have good labour rules and regulations. It is always comfortable with countries which have a good relation with our country, and countries where we can immediately call when we have issues and respond accordingly. The country we are currently having an issue with is very difficult. Forget about phone calls and writing to them, even if we go there personally to find our Bhutanese, it would be difficult. It’s not that the government is not helping but there is no space left for the government to help,” said Dr Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister.
According to the government, around 40 women are said to have left for Iraq recently and the government is trying to locate them. And as per sources, the victims have been lured by unlicensed agents who are now in difficult situations. The Prime Minister said they have identified the private individuals who have sent the girls and are currently investigating.
Meanwhile, the Ministry is also working on publishing a short video to create awareness on this issue.
Pema Tshewang/ Kinley Dem
