During the question hour session today, the Sombaykha’s Member of Parliament raised concerns over the maximum age limit of 29 years imposed for overseas employment in the Middle East. The MP said that there are unemployed people above the age of 29 in the country and given the opportunity to work abroad, the unemployment rate can be reduced.
Highlighting the plight of desperate job seekers, the MP expressed concerns about unemployed individuals who are older than 29 years resorting to finding jobs abroad through agents who are not registered with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment.
“When people don’t meet the requirements for the overseas jobs offered by the government, they resort to applying for dubious overseas job opportunities, such as those advertised on Facebook. This can sometimes lead to cases like human trafficking, which leads to more burden on the individuals as well as the country,” said Dorjee Wangmo, Member of Parliament of Sombaykha.
Responding to the question, the Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister said the age limit is a requirement from the employers in the Middle East countries.
“They specify this in their letters to the government saying that most of the jobs they offer are suitable for individuals who are 29 years and below. That is the reason for the age limit,” said Karma Dorji, Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister.
The minister added that if the age limit is increased, the individuals working in the private sector might opt for such opportunities leaving their jobs in Bhutan. The minister said that this will affect the private sector.
According to the minister, there are more than 9,000 Bhutanese working in the Middle East mostly in the hospitality sector.
Karma Samten Wangda
