Thinley Namgay

The Minister for the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), Namgyal Dorji, said that creating job opportunities was a top priority for the government, especially as a means to address the ongoing trend of emigration.

The Minister made this statement in response to a question from the Member of Parliament (MP) from Khamdang-Ramjar, Namgay Dorji, regarding youth unemployment and civil servant attrition.

While the minister expressed optimism about the country’s economic recovery, noting a decrease in the unemployment rate, he also acknowledged emigration as a significant challenge that many developing countries, including Bhutan, currently face.

The unemployment rate has decreased to 3.1 percent this year, down from 5.8 percent in 2022 and 3.6 percent in 2023. Youth unemployment has also improved, dropping from over 28 percent in 2022 and more than 20 percent in 2023 to 16.5 percent currently. However, despite this progress, more than 6,000 youth are currently unemployed.

MP Namgay Dorji expressed concern over continued civil servant attrition and the rising emigration of youth, particularly to countries like Australia, which remains a favored destination.

He pointed out that critical social service sectors in Bhutan are facing manpower shortages, which complicates the retention of civil servants in key public services.

“The current 16.5 percent unemployment rate among youth is alarming. We need to better capitalise on the potential of our youth, equip them with entrepreneurial skills, and foster a strong private sector to drive economic development,” he said.

MP Namgay Dorji asked the minister about the government’s plans to enhance employment opportunities, promote private sector growth, and curb youth migration.

In response, Minister Namgyal Dorji outlined the government’s target to reduce the overall unemployment rate to 2.5 percent by the end of their tenure. He detailed several key initiatives aimed at job creation, including the Youth Engagement and Livelihood Programme, the establishment of employment service centres in all 20 dzongkhags, and the promotion of safe overseas employment opportunities.

Other programmes highlighted by the minister include the National Reintegration Programme, the Entrepreneurship Development Programme, improved access to finance, job awareness campaigns, and the Employment Responsibility System designed to match job seekers with available positions.