Home Affairs: 5,000 jobseekers cannot find work

Rachel Thien
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Minister of Home Affairs has raised concerns over how active jobseekers that are registered with the ministry cannot seem to find employment in the country.

In an interview, Home Affairs Minister Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman told The Brunei Times that the 5,000 active jobseekers who are registered with the ministy should not have difficulty getting jobs, since employment opportunities abound in the Sultanate.

"It is undeniable that employment opportunities abound in this country. Eighty-three per cent of the jobseekers are school-leavers with GCE 'O' Levels and lower qualifications. A few are holders of university degrees, diplomas and certificates," YB Pehin Dato Hj Badaruddin said.

Currently, he said, there were many jobs available, but many prospective employees could not be absorbed.

Citing the 2010 employment census, the minister said there are about 80,000 foreign workers in the private sector, excluding domestic workers. "But why is it that the 5,000 cannot be employed or cannot be considered?" he said.

YB Pehin Dato Hj Badaruddin said the ministry, through the Local Employment Workmen Development Agency (APTK), is taking a realistic approach to identify the potential of the jobseekers and whether they are ready to work.

"We are motivating and exposing them to participate in 'on-the-job training' with potential employers, as well as giving them incentives such as allowances during their training," the minister said.

He explained that with on-the-job training, employers would only need to shoulder 35 per cent of the allowance given to the trainees as compensation, while the remaining 65 per cent is borne by the government, provided that the amount is $400 a month or more.

YB Pehin Dato Hj Badaruddin noted that during a recent job expo, only 1,200 jobseekers applied for 2,481 jobs offered.

Out of the 1,200 applicants, only 23 per cent succeeded in their interviews and were immediately absorbed under the training employment scheme.

He added that the APTK will also be evaluating the aptitude and preparedness of job applicants in joining the workforce, provide them work motivation, identify and expose them through on-the-job training for vacancies offered by employers; and setting up meetings with potential employers for working on probation or possible engagements on contract basis and better working environments.

Dipetik dari - The Brunei Times