As the ongoing Middle East conflict remains highly unpredictable, a National-Level Committee has been formed to monitor the safety and welfare of Bhutanese residing in the Middle East. The Foreign and External Trade Minister shared this at the National Assembly’s question hour session today. The minister also said contingency and evacuation plans are in place and will be activated if the security situation deteriorates further.
Foreign and External Trade Minister D.N. Dhungyel shared that a national coordination committee comprising all relevant agencies is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East.
“There are six relevant agencies that will work collaboratively within the committee. If the situation deteriorates, these agencies will coordinate and undertake the necessary measures to facilitate the safe return of Bhutanese nationals, in accordance with their respective roles and responsibilities. A contingency plan is also in place.”
The minister also informed the House that over the past three months, 180 Bhutanese from the Middle East have permanently returned to the country.
He added that more than 120 are currently on vacation in the country, while 123 others have returned to the Middle East.
He further noted that about half of the returnees have already been successfully reintegrated into the job market.
“Of the 180 individuals who have returned to the country, around 90 have secured employment. Among them, some are in regular jobs, while some are working on a contract basis. Moreover, support has been provided to several returnees through skills development programmes, while others have been assisted in establishing their own businesses.”
He added that the remaining returnees are still exploring job opportunities abroad.
Meanwhile, Radhi-Sakteng MP Tashi Tenzin asked if the government is considering halting the Overseas Employment Programme amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
“I would like to ask whether overseas employment opportunities have been put on hold by the government. If not, what measures and policies has the government put in place to ensure the safety of Bhutanese citizens going to the Middle East?”
In response, Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister Namgyal Dorji clarified that the government has not withheld the programme. He added that Bhutanese travelling through the scheme continue to receive pre-departure briefings, along with guidance on return pathways.
“The Regulation on Employment of Bhutanese Overseas 2021 has been reviewed, and the Regulation on Employment of Bhutanese Overseas 2026 is nearing adoption. The new regulation includes provisions to strengthen the safety and security of Bhutanese workers abroad and clearly outlines the responsibilities of recruitment agents.”
Currently, more than 7,700 Bhutanese are living in Middle East countries, with the majority in Kuwait. The rest are spread across Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman.
Sangay Chozom & Tashi Dekar
Edited by Sonam Pem
