In just over two weeks, more than 140 Bhutanese including those who have returned from abroad and those planning to return have registered with the National Reintegration Programme Desk. Through the desk, the returnees will be able to avail themselves of employment services, training programmes, psychosocial support and business startup assistance. Most of the registered individuals are those who have returned or are planning to return from Australia.
The National Reintegration Programme Desk functions under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment.
According to the ministry, the desk is open to all Bhutanese returnees with a particular focus on those coming back from Australia.
For now, 79 applicants who are still in Australia have registered for the programme.
The National Reintegration Programme Desk also received ten applications from Bhutanese who are working in Kuwait, Bangladesh and the Bahamas.
Meanwhile, the remaining 50 applicants are those who have already returned to the country after working overseas.
We heard that there are lots of our Bhutanese friends coming back from Australia due to the 35 years of age requirement. So, this is especially for those people,” said Rigden Wangchuk, Chief Programme Officer of Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship under MoICE.
He added that they had consulted with relevant stakeholders such as the financial institutions, RCSC and NGOs about employment opportunities.
Rigden Wangchuk, the Chief Programme Officer said returnees those who have resigned from civil service and went abroad will get the opportunity to serve as contract employees in the civil service upon their return.
“They will be recruited under contract. If they are highly skilled, they will be hired without having to undergo the interview process and directly recruited with a 30 per cent allowance. And in consolidated contract, they will be recruited under contract but will not be eligible for the 30 per cent allowance.”
Officials said they will be facilitating the services soon.
The desk will also offer services such as counselling to help returnees adjust to life in Bhutan, skill development to enhance employment opportunities and help those interested in starting their businesses.
Registration for the programme can be done through the Ministry of Industry, Employment and Commerce’s website.
Karma Samten Wangda
Edited by Tshering Zam
