Staff Reporter 

Three foreign workers without any documents issued by the Department of Immigration were apprehended by the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) on May 26.

They were found at a private construction site close to the international border at Pekarzhing under Phuentsholing Thromde.

They had entered the country clandestinely in collusion with the construction site supervisor and the case is currently under investigation by the Department of Immigration and RBP.  

The foreign workers and the site supervisor, who is a Bhutanese citizen, were immediately quarantined on the same day at their own cost. They were tested for Covid-19 on the following day and all tested negative.

“The owner and site supervisor have committed a serious offence and will face severe consequences including punitive action. They shall be charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for violating provisions of the Penal Code and Immigration Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan,” a release from the Covid-19 task force in Phuentsholing stated.

They have violated Covid-19 notifications issued on the suspension of entry of foreign workers and closure of the international border, which remain in effect.

“This incident is a grim reminder and a highly irresponsible and selfish act committed with complete disregard for the well-being of the people and nation,” the release stated.

“Such reckless acts shall not be condoned under any circumstances and the general public is reminded and urged to comply with all notifications and measures put in place to mitigate the risks of transmission and spread of Covid-19 in Bhutan.”