Minister of Home and Culture affairs, Lyonpo Sherub Gyeltshen said that a committee comprising of five members from relevant agencies have been formed to study the matters regarding the recruitment of foreign domestic workers in respond to Dramedtse-Ngatshang MP. The secretary of labour ministry is the chairman, while the director of law and order, director general of labour ministry, director of census and the director of immigration department are members of the committee.
In the question hour session, Dramedtse-Ngatshang MP, Ugyen Wangdi said that the government has pledged to initiate recruitment of foreign domestic workers in the 120 days pledges. He questioned on the status of the initiation to the home minister.
Lyonpo said that with changing time and development of the country, particularly at a time when the nation is graduating from LDC, recruiting foreign domestic workers are felt as part of the need. He said that one of the challenges especially faced by the working couples in a family is the non-availability of domestic assistance including babysitters.
He also said that the recruitment of foreign workers is not allowed as per Section 10, Labour and Employment Act 2007. However, regarding the particular matter, Lyonpo added that the act lacks a definite laws and regulation.
He suggested the assembly on having a concrete dos and don’ts, clear laws and regulation taking prior consideration about the security of the country while taking initiatives of recruiting domestic workers from other countries.
Panbang MP, Dorji Wangdi said that the recruitment of foreign domestic workers may threaten the security and sovereignty of the country. He said that about 68,000 foreign workers are already in the country working. He suggested on having clear policy that would recruit workers within the country instead of recruiting from outside.
Home minister reiterated that the recruitment of foreign workers is a threat through security perspective, yet, the country demands to look into the matter to pacify the problem. He affirmed that the committee is aware of the concerns over security of the country, and they are looking into it.
He also said that the recruitment can benefit the people and make their life easier. He clarified that the initiation will provide a mechanism where the country’s security would not be threatened and the matter will be submitted for deliberation when the committee completes the study.
By Kinley Wangchuk