Re: Restriction on Foreign Workers Undertaking Plumbing and Electrical Works

We bring to the public notice a matter concerning the employment of foreign workers for plumbing and electrical works. Presently, no work permit is being issued to any foreigner for plumbing and electrical occupations as per Executive Order No. DoL/FWD/01/2018-2019/150 &156/265, dated 30th January, 2019. This restriction is based on the Regulations of Foreign Workers Recruitment; and is intended to facilitate skills development and promote local employment.

Further, employing foreign workers for plumbing and electrical work without the approval of the Chief Labour Administrator would result in the misuse/variation of the work permit. This variation of work permit is considered as a violation of fourth-degree felony (Section 221-222 of the Labour and Employment Act, 2007).

Hence, in order to prevent any complications or legal issues, we kindly urge you to consider hiring exclusively from our pool of local professionals and workers when seeking plumbing and electrical services. As we adopt ‘critical skills shortage’ approach to foreign workers recruitment, we may consider the employment of foreign individuals in plumbing and electrical roles only when there is a genuine scarcity of local plumbers and electricians or on a case-specific evaluation basis.

If you require local plumbing or electrical services, we strongly advise you to consult the list of local skilled workers (annexed).

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. By working together, we can build our local workforce.

For any inquiries or further information, please don’t hesitate to contact Ugyen Dorji, Senior Labour Officer [17411772] and Tshering Yangki [contact 17628619].

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

 Chief Labour Administrator

Annexure: