Answer for Oral Question PL206

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin

YANG BERHORMAT DAYANG HAJAH ROSMAWATTY BINTI HAJI ABDUL MUMIN asked MENTERI DI JABATAN PERDANA MENTERI to state the number of local citizens who have obtained employment opportunities abroad and in what fields of expertise they are involved. Is there a national database on the migration of local professionals, and has a Return & Serve policy been implemented to ensure that they return to serve in the country with the experience they have gained?

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.
And greetings.

i. Kaola records appreciation and thanks to Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin for the question regarding local citizens working abroad, official monitoring by the government, and the policy on the return of local talent.

ii. At present, there is not yet a comprehensive and integrated national database to fully record the number as well as the fields of expertise of local citizens working abroad.

iii. However, the Government, through the relevant agencies, is aware of the importance of this information for the purpose of more strategic and high-impact manpower planning.

iv. To date, information regarding local citizens working abroad is generally obtained through voluntary registration with certain agencies. Although the available data is still limited, the government notes that there are a number of locals currently serving in various professional fields abroad.

v. In this matter, the government welcomes locals, including graduates, to gain experience overseas, if given the opportunity. Exposure to an international work environment not only enriches their knowledge and skills, but also opens opportunities to understand new technologies, practise world-class work standards, and broaden professional networks. All of these are important added values in strengthening the competitiveness and employability of the people of Negara Brunei Darussalam on the international stage, and in turn contribute effectively to national development when they return.

vi. In relation to the Return and Serve policy, although there is not yet a formal policy requiring local citizens working abroad to return, the government has implemented several existing mechanisms, among them through Government scholarship bonds which require scholarship recipients to return to serve after completing their studies.

vii. In this regard, the government welcomes the suggestion of Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty. The government will examine in depth the suitability as well as the feasibility of this approach, subject to the needs and priorities of the country.

That is all that Kaola can convey. Thank you.