(Bandar Seri Begawan, 7th) The workforce situation in Brunei still heavily relies on foreign workers, especially in key sectors such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Minister of Home Affairs, Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohamad Yusof revealed this information at the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting.
In recent years, the number of foreign workers has fluctuated significantly, from 65,579 in 2019 to a peak of 75,402 in 2023, reflecting the economic changes following the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the retail sector employed 8,350 foreign workers, compared to 6,001 local workers.
According to the labor department's preliminary survey results as of April 1, 2024, the construction industry ranks first with 21,515 foreign workers, comprising 83% of its workforce. Other industries with substantial foreign labor include:
Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries – 3,521 foreign workers (75%)
Accommodation and food services – 11,361 foreign workers (63%)
Manufacturing – 7,929 foreign workers (63%)
Wholesale and retail (including motor vehicle/motorcycle repair) – 14,908 foreign workers (55%)
The high proportion of foreign workers highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring economic growth while also reducing reliance on expatriate labor. The government is actively monitoring workforce trends, increasing local employment opportunities through succession planning and skills transfer programs.
As part of Brunei's business-friendly ecosystem, the labor department continues to assess quotas for foreign workers to balance economic needs and local workforce development. The revised policy on age limits of 60 or 65 and above for skilled professionals aims to retain essential expertise in highly specialized fields.
Minister of Home Affairs, Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohamad Yusof revealed this information at the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting.
In recent years, the number of foreign workers has fluctuated significantly, from 65,579 in 2019 to a peak of 75,402 in 2023, reflecting the economic changes following the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the retail sector employed 8,350 foreign workers, compared to 6,001 local workers.
According to the labor department's preliminary survey results as of April 1, 2024, the construction industry ranks first with 21,515 foreign workers, comprising 83% of its workforce. Other industries with substantial foreign labor include:
Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries – 3,521 foreign workers (75%)
Accommodation and food services – 11,361 foreign workers (63%)
Manufacturing – 7,929 foreign workers (63%)
Wholesale and retail (including motor vehicle/motorcycle repair) – 14,908 foreign workers (55%)
The high proportion of foreign workers highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring economic growth while also reducing reliance on expatriate labor. The government is actively monitoring workforce trends, increasing local employment opportunities through succession planning and skills transfer programs.
As part of Brunei's business-friendly ecosystem, the labor department continues to assess quotas for foreign workers to balance economic needs and local workforce development. The revised policy on age limits of 60 or 65 and above for skilled professionals aims to retain essential expertise in highly specialized fields.