Brunei Darussalam has been a member state of the ILO since January 2007. Discussions are now underway with the ILO to determine priorities for a Decent Work Country Programme. These priorities will be influenced by Brunei’s obligations under the International Labour Conventions, as well as by the capacity of the social partners (workers’ and employers’ organizations) to engage in dialogue with the Government.
The country has already ratified one of the ILO’s eight fundamental conventions, the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (C182), in June 2008.
Brunei is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with oil and gas generating a substantial amount of foreign investment, income and jobs. The government is trying to diversify its economy to help create more employment and upgrade the labour force. However unemployment (and youth employment in particular) remains critical issues. There is an apparent mismatch between job-seekers expectations, job opportunities and the skills requirements of employers. It is estimated that just under half of the workforce is employed in the public sector, while private sector jobs tend to be filled by migrant workers.
The Government promotes competitiveness and job creation in the private sector. This work includes gender equality, social security, better occupational safety and health, more informed labour migration, increased social dialogue, and other ways of strengthening the labour market.
To support this work, the ILO has been requesting to provide technical assistance related to young people and employment, labour force surveys and labour market information.
ILO work in Brunei Darussalam is handled through the ILO's Subregional Office for East Asia, based in Bangkok, Thailand.