(Bandar Seri Begawan, 21st) The Enforcement Unit of the Labour Department recently conducted Operation Waspada No. 117/2025 in Kampong Dagon, uncovering multiple violations of employment regulations under Chapter 278 of the Employment Order. The operation aimed to strengthen the enforcement of relevant laws and ensure that employers fully fulfill their responsibilities towards employees.
During inspections, authorities discovered employers had committed six violations of the Employment Order regarding staff accommodation and welfare, including: not granting employees a weekly rest day (Section 63); requiring employees to work on rest days without providing compensation (Section 64); not providing paid annual leave (Section 71); and providing substandard, unsanitary accommodation (Section 80), among others.
In addition, in accordance with Section 112(2), authorities also recorded two violations related to the conditions of foreign worker licenses. The investigation found that several foreign workers originally employed in construction were allegedly engaged in unauthorised work such as rearing goats, chickens, and ducks, which was not in line with the company’s construction industry license. The enforcement unit pointed out that the company was using its construction license to engage in livestock farming and distribution activities, clearly breaching licensing regulations.
Authorities stated the case is currently under further investigation. If found guilty, the employer may be fined up to BND 1,000 for each violation. Should the fines not be paid within the stipulated period, the case will be referred to court.
The Labour Department reminds all employers to pay close attention to the welfare of their employees and to strictly comply with the provisions of the Employment Order, including granting at least one rest day per week, providing paid annual leave, and ensuring a clean and safe accommodation environment. Furthermore, employees must only engage in the work approved by their work permit, and companies must strictly adhere to the business scope permitted under their operating license.
During inspections, authorities discovered employers had committed six violations of the Employment Order regarding staff accommodation and welfare, including: not granting employees a weekly rest day (Section 63); requiring employees to work on rest days without providing compensation (Section 64); not providing paid annual leave (Section 71); and providing substandard, unsanitary accommodation (Section 80), among others.
In addition, in accordance with Section 112(2), authorities also recorded two violations related to the conditions of foreign worker licenses. The investigation found that several foreign workers originally employed in construction were allegedly engaged in unauthorised work such as rearing goats, chickens, and ducks, which was not in line with the company’s construction industry license. The enforcement unit pointed out that the company was using its construction license to engage in livestock farming and distribution activities, clearly breaching licensing regulations.
Authorities stated the case is currently under further investigation. If found guilty, the employer may be fined up to BND 1,000 for each violation. Should the fines not be paid within the stipulated period, the case will be referred to court.
The Labour Department reminds all employers to pay close attention to the welfare of their employees and to strictly comply with the provisions of the Employment Order, including granting at least one rest day per week, providing paid annual leave, and ensuring a clean and safe accommodation environment. Furthermore, employees must only engage in the work approved by their work permit, and companies must strictly adhere to the business scope permitted under their operating license.