Some good news for Bhutanese seeking stable employment abroad. Singapore is set to become a new destination for work, as it has included Bhutan in its list of Non-Traditional Source countries for hiring foreign workers. Effective from the first of June this year, the move allows Bhutanese to apply for work permits in manufacturing and service industries. This is expected to ease the country’s unemployment pressures while providing opportunities for better-paying jobs abroad. The decision, announced by Singapore’s Minister for Manpower, Tan See Leng, places Bhutan alongside Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand in the Non-Traditional Source Work Category.
With youth unemployment becoming a growing concern in Bhutan, officials say that this new work permit could serve as an alternative for those struggling to find jobs locally, reducing unemployment in the country. Bhutan’s youth unemployment rate stood at 18 per cent as of the fourth quarter last year.
Sonam Dorji, an automobile trainee from Thimphu Technical Training Institute said “I think it’s a great opportunity because after completing our training, finding jobs in corporations is difficult. While we can find work in the private sector, the salary is low, starting at a maximum of 15,000 ngultrum and even after two years of experience, it only increases to around 20,000 ngultrum, which is not enough. That’s why I would be happy to work abroad.”
While some Bhutanese professionals already work in Singapore under the S Pass and Employment Pass, primarily as mid-level skilled workers and highly skilled professionals in healthcare and sales, this is the first time Bhutanese workers can apply for broader roles in food processing, manufacturing, housekeeping, welding, rigging, and metal work.
Tenzin Lham of Institute of Tourism and Hospitality said “I am currently pursuing a course in Tourism and Hospitality and if there is a job related to my field over there, I would love to take the opportunity.”
Under the framework, a fixed minimum monthly salary of 2,000 Singapore Dollars, equivalent to around Nu 130,000 has been set for NTS workers. According to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, employers are required to provide accommodation for migrant workers. However, as of now it is unclear if their accommodation is free of cost or if the charges will be deducted from their monthly pay.
The average monthly living expense in Singapore for a single person is expected to cost between 2500 and 4000 Singapore dollars including rent, utilities, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.
Although the industry, commerce and employment ministry has yet to receive an official letter from Singapore, officials from the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship say they welcome such an initiative adding they will facilitate the placement of Bhutanese workers in Singapore as per the Regulation on Employment of Bhutanese Overseas 2021.
While many see this as a promising opportunity, some believe that if better incentives and salaries were provided domestically, they would prefer to work in the country rather than going abroad.
Kinley Namgay Sherpa from Royal Institute of Tourism and Hospitality said “In my opinion, the pay structure over there is pretty high compared to that of our country which is quite appealing for people like us. Personally, I’m also interested in exploring new places and gaining new work experiences.”
Kinley Namgyel, a HVAC trainee of Thimphu Technical Training Institute said “The opportunity provided by the Singaporean government is great, but if our own government offers good job opportunities and a better salary structure, I would prefer to stay and work here. If I go abroad and fall sick, there will be no one to look after me. But if I stay and work here, at least I will have my family to take care of me.”
While such opportunities abroad can ease unemployment issues, concerns remain as skilled workers leaving the country could lead to labour shortages at home.
Kinley Bidha
Edited by Phub Gyem
