Rokiah Mahmud
A number of matters have been coordinated and updated pertaining to the new application for renewing the Foreign Worker Licence (LPA) between the Labour Department and stakeholders agencies that act as regulators as well as JobCentre Brunei.
Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong explained this during the daily press conference yesterday.
The application process for the LPA submitted to the Labour Department will be sped up, for those with a clearance letter from JobCentre Brunei, particularly in the construction, wholesale and retail, food service, agriculture and fishery, as well as agri-food sectors, due to the lack of manpower.
In addition, employers need to update the address confirmation document where they are only required to fill in the declaration form to ensure employers will be responsible for their workers’ welfare by providing dormitories with basic necessities including adhering to room capacity regulations, adequate water supply and maintaining standard cleanliness.
The minister also explained that the requirement for employers to submit the condition of workers’ dormitories or rooms and the need to obtain verification from village heads have been temporarily suspended.
For the construction sector, a coordination procedure has been set up between the Labour Department and the Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCi), Ministry of Development.
When submitting new applications and renewing the LPA, employers need to submit a copy of the ongoing project as usual, excluding Form C from ABCi.
A declaration form must be included to ensure that employers agree and are responsible for their workers’ whereabouts and well-being when projects have been completed. The forms can be downloaded from the Labour Department website www.buruh.gov.bn.
The Labour Department and ABCi will continuously inspect companies with approved LPA to ensure that they adhere to the law and regulations of both departments.
The minister reminded employers to be responsible on their workers’ well-being and whereabouts, and adhere to laws and regulations.
For information, contact the department at 2380256 or WhatsApp to 8363244 or visit their website.
