Recruitment of foreign workers to Brunei suspended

Suspension until further notice; exemption for foreign manpower required for critical operations

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Abu Bakar (R) making the announcement on foreign workers regulations yesterday.

Applications to recruit new foreign workers into Brunei has been suspended starting today (March 21) until further notice as the COVID-19 outbreak rose to 78 cases yesterday.

However foreign manpower required for critical operations of certain sectors in Brunei will be still assessed said the Minister of Home Affairs during the annoucement of the new recruitment measures yesterday in a press conference.

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong added applications to renew the Foreign Workers License (LPA) of expatriates currently residing in Brunei would still be accepted.

The suspension affects the following:

  • LPA applications for foreign workers, including those made before March 21, 2020
  • Applications to recruit domestic workers, including those made before March 21, 2020
  • Applications for work visas, including those made before March 21, 2020
  • Work visa authorisation letters issued by the Immigration and National Registration Department
  • Work visas issued by embassies and high commissions of Brunei abroad

In addition, foreign workers currently residing in their home countries that have been issued work visas or re-entry visas to Brunei are to delay their travel to Brunei until further notice.

Full statement from MoHA and contacts for more information:

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