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Sharma
Bhutanese working in the Middle East are dissatisfied with their work, salary and accommodation conditions as it affects their well-being, according to a survey report released by the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoICE).
The 2023 Overseas Employment Program Monitoring Survey Report, based on the experiences of nearly 900 Bhutanese in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE, found widespread concerns about wages, accommodation and other benefits.
According to the report, economic difficulties at home are the main driver for seeking overseas employment, with 42% of respondents citing this as the main reason. However, the promise of higher salaries does not seem to have fully materialized, with many reporting a large gap between their current income and expectations.
The average monthly salary in Bhutan ranges from Nu 5,000 to Nu 15,000, while those working abroad earn an average of Nu 30,000 to Nu 40,000. Some 52.7% of respondents said that even this amount is not enough, especially considering the high cost of living in the Middle East.
The report also highlighted concerns about specific aspects of employment. Timely payment of wage increases, overtime pay and bonuses were major sticking points, with 18.6% of respondents reporting problems with delayed or non-payment of bonuses.
The survey also made suggestions for improvements based on worker feedback, with increasing wages, ensuring on-time payments and providing health insurance all seen as key steps.
In addition, some respondents called for improving living conditions by increasing accommodation subsidies. In addition to immediate working conditions, the report also recommends that the government play a role in supporting migrant workers returning home.
Entrepreneurship training and skills development programmes as well as initiatives to assist in starting businesses upon return to Bhutan are seen as valuable tools.
The establishment of a dedicated support structure for overseas entrepreneurs with experience and innovative ideas is seen as a way to leverage skills and knowledge from overseas. For example, if workers return home with business ideas and relevant experience they want to use in Bhutan, they need government help to obtain permits and loans.
It is difficult to start a business with personal funds alone. For those entrepreneurs who return to China with innovative ideas and valuable experience, it will be helpful to obtain government support.
In terms of employment channels, the government through the Ministry of Interior and Internal Affairs (MoICE) was the most common channel for respondents to obtain employment.
Likewise, private agencies played a key role, with Wangchuk Overseas Employment Agency and Rumi Overseas Employment Agency responsible for a sizeable number of job placements, at 27.5% and 12.7% respectively.
The report stresses the need for collaboration between the government and these agencies to ensure the welfare of Bhutanese workers overseas.
The findings come amid a growing trend of Bhutanese youth seeking employment opportunities in the Middle East. With limited job prospects and low wages at home, working overseas appears to be an attractive option despite the challenges identified in the report.
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