Labour ministry cuts the number to send jobseekers abroad by half

Instead of 30,000 jobseekers the labour ministry had initially planned to send abroad, they will now send only 9,000 by the end of 11^th plan.

Labour minister, Ngeema Sangay Tshempo said they have reduced the number since Bhutan’s economy has improved.

He said the country’s Gross Domestic Product has gone up to 5.6 percent. “We are hopeful; it will increase to an average of 6 percent in the next fiscal year.”

The overseas employment scheme started in December 2013.

As per the initial plan, the ministry was to send 5,000-7,000 job seekers abroad, every year.

Till date, only 1,463 jobseekers have been sent abroad.

Lyonpo Ngeema Sangay Tshempo said the ministry realised when they send jobseekers abroad, they have to send skilled workers.  “It is not an easy task.”

He also said the workers’ skills also have to meet the international standard.