| Siti Hajar |
THE Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MoFAT), Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, reassured yesterday that Brunei’s efforts at localisation would not be compromised, due to trade agreements that allow for the free movement of skilled labour.
In an interview on the sidelines of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade outreach programme to create awareness on the Asean Economic Community (AEC) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), the permanent secretary explained that although the Mutual Recognition Agreement among Asean member states is in place, “It does not imply that foreign skilled labour can enter the market without satisfying local conditions and regulations.”
He said that Brunei has enforcement agencies to monitor skilled labour – which includes doctors, nurses, engineers and accountants – and managing the flow of expatriate professionals.
“The agreement has to be looked at from the local perspective,” he said, adding that adherence to local conditions is crucial, should skilled workers be needed to meet industry demands.
Otherwise, he said, “Local skills are still protected.”
Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade speaks to the media. – BAHYIAH BAKIR
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