BHUTAN TODAY The New Perspective
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Sonam Deki
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE) has issued a stern cautionary message to job seekers in Bhutan, highlighting the prevalent existence of deceitful and unauthorized operators who are actively engaging in the recruitment and promotion of overseas job opportunities through social media platforms and personal networks. In light of this alarming situation, the Ministry has fervently appealed to job seekers to exercise utmost caution and prudence, emphasizing the vital importance of meticulously verifying the credibility and legitimacy of job advertisements before proceeding with any applications.
As per a recent statement issued by MoICE, an alarming number of unscrupulous operators have resorted to exploiting social media platforms as a means to ensnare unsuspecting job seekers, tantalizing them with alluring prospects of high-paying employment abroad. These fraudulent operators frequently employ tactics that involve soliciting upfront fees or coaxing job seekers into divulging sensitive personal information, thereby subjecting them to substantial financial losses and the grave risk of identity theft. This disturbing trend necessitates heightened vigilance and serves as a pressing reminder for job seekers to exercise extreme caution and verify the authenticity of opportunities before falling prey to these malicious schemes.
“The number of fake job advertisements has increased significantly in recent years, and we urge job seekers to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of the job advertisement and the recruiter,” said Tshering Yangki, the spokesperson for MoICE.
Furthermore, she urges job seekers to exercise prudence and exclusively pursue legitimate avenues when exploring overseas employment prospects. She specifically recommended relying on authorized channels, such as registered recruitment agencies with a proven track record of integrity, or alternatively, reaching out to the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship (DoEE) for reliable guidance and support in their pursuit of overseas job opportunities.
Currently, the responsibility of overseeing Bhutanese overseas employment lies with a distinguished group of four entities who have obtained official registration as authorized Bhutanese Overseas Employment Agents. These registered agents, namely Wangchuk Overseas Employment Agent, Rumi Overseas Employment Agent, Bhutan Overseas Jinzai, and Employ Bhutan Overseas Employment Agent, have demonstrated their commitment to adhering to the prescribed regulations, establishing themselves as legitimate facilitators of overseas employment opportunities for Bhutanese citizens.
“We advise job seekers to check with the DoEE or registered recruitment agencies before applying for any overseas job opportunity. This will help to ensure that the job offer is legitimate and that the recruiter is authorized,” the spokesperson added.
The problem of fake job advertisements extends beyond the borders of Bhutan, transcending geographical boundaries to become a widespread global issue that has adversely impacted countless job seekers worldwide. In recent years, numerous countries have recognized the gravity of this problem and have implemented various measures to effectively address it. These measures include the implementation of more stringent regulations governing recruitment agencies and the rigorous crackdown on unscrupulous operators who engage in unauthorized activities.
Despite the explicit warnings issued by the Ministry of Information and Communications and reputable recruitment agencies, a disheartening number of job seekers still find themselves ensnared by deceitful operators. In light of this persistent predicament, the Ministry has earnestly implored the general public to promptly report any dubious job advertisements or operators to the competent authorities without delay. Such proactive measures can play a pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of job seekers and curtailing the prevalence of fraudulent practices in the employment sector.
“We urge the public to be cautious and report any suspicious job advertisements or operators to the DoEE or the police immediately. Together, we can help to prevent job seekers from falling victim to these scams,” the spokesperson concluded.
In accordance with the 2021 regulations concerning overseas employment for Bhutanese individuals, it is explicitly mandated that any agency providing job placement and employment services must acquire a valid license from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE) before engaging in such operations. It is crucial to emphasize that any agents found operating without the requisite authorization will be subjected to strict regulatory actions. Consequently, these agents must promptly obtain the necessary license in order to lawfully offer their services to Bhutanese citizens in search of employment prospects beyond the nation’s borders.
The spokesperson stated, “In relation to the penalty imposed on agents operating illegally, as per Clause 88 of the Regulation on Employment of Bhutanese Overseas, 2021, the recruitment and placement of jobseekers by individuals or entities not licensed as employment agents shall be subject to a penalty amounting to Ngultrum six hundred thousand.”
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment declined to disclose information regarding the specific number of fraudulent overseas agencies that have been penalized and the total number of complaints they have received to date. Similarly, MoICE has refrained from sharing the details of their strategies in assisting individuals who have fallen victim to scams, as well as the underlying causes behind the persistent occurrence of fraudulent activities perpetrated by these deceptive agencies.
