June 27, 2025
THIMPHU – With increasing number of Bhutanese professionals and youth moving overseas for work, the government is prioritising economic growth to create attractive livelihoods at home.
During the National Assembly’s Question Hour session on June 24, Member of Parliament (MP) for Nyisho-Saephu, Kuenga, highlighted the alarming trend of experienced Bhutanese resigning to work overseas, alongside a substantial proportion of youth leaving the country. He warned that if this continues, Bhutan faces a severe manpower shortage with serious long-term implications.
MP Kuenga questioned the government’s strategies to address this, including the number of returnees who have secured jobs through new government initiatives, the root causes of the exodus, and how the public will be reassured.
Responding to the query, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay acknowledged the growing trend, stating that approximately 9 percent of the population, or around 66,000 Bhutanese, have migrated, with about 22 percent of those in Australia for studies and work.
He added that 500 individuals have registered under the government-led National Reintegration Programme, aimed at employment support.
The programme’s mandate, however, Lyonchhen said, is not to guarantee employment but to understand returnees’ situations, identify opportunities for them to offer their services, and provide support.
Of those registered, 170 have returned to Bhutan, and 30 individuals have secured fixed-term employment in various agencies and ministries.
For returnees, Lyonchhen said, possessing expertise and capital opens doors to starting businesses, such as old age homes. He added that self-employment and entrepreneurial ventures currently offer the most promising opportunities, as traditional job placements remain uncertain.
While a few Bhutanese cite work environment and job security as reasons for leaving, he said that the majority are motivated by the desire to earn more money.
He acknowledged the public’s concern about a country getting empty, which raises questions about who will care for the elderly and children, look after patients, and build roads.
To address these critical issues, Lyonchen said that the Royal Civil Service Commission is working to create a more conducive work environment, including allowing resigned civil servants to rejoin the civil service.
Bhutan’s civil servant-to-population ratio of 1:23 is among the best globally, he added.
Lyonchhen also said that since the main purpose of going abroad is to earn money, the government’s primary focus must shift to making Bhutan an attractive place for earning a livelihood.
He stressed the paramount importance of rapid economic growth, citing His Majesty The King’s vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City as a transformative initiative poised to generate employment and economic opportunities for both current and future generations.
Further national economic aspirations include the 13th Plan’s objective to double the country’s gross domestic product and the 21st Century Economic Roadmap’s aim for tenfold growth within the next 25 years, Lyonchhen said.