While Bhutan’s overall unemployment rate has dipped to a promising 3.6 percent this year, the nation still faces a pressing challenge: youth unemployment remains stubbornly high at 17.1 percent. With thousands of fresh graduates expected to enter the job market in the coming months, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE) is ramping up efforts to bridge the gap between education and employment.
In response to this growing concern, MoICE has introduced a range of programs under a renewed national strategy to create job opportunities and ease the transition from school to work for young Bhutanese.
At the heart of these efforts is the Youth Employment and Livelihood Program, which provides paid internships lasting from one to twelve months. Interns can receive monthly stipends of up to Nu 9,000, depending on their qualifications. The program aims to give young people their first real-world work experience and improve their chances in the competitive job market.
For those looking beyond Bhutan’s borders, the Overseas Employment Program facilitates international job placements. According to MoICE, these positions are designed not only to help young people earn an income but also to gain valuable skills and exposure that could pave the way for future entrepreneurship.
Supporting Bhutanese returning home after overseas stints, the National Reintegration Program offers a package of services including financial assistance, career counseling, and reintegration support. This initiative ensures that returnees can successfully rebuild their lives and careers back home.
The ministry is also implementing a broader, system-level solution through the Employment Responsibility System (ERS). This collaborative framework brings together various government agencies to coordinate job promotion, preparation, and placement efforts.
To expand access to job-related services, Employment Service Centres have been established in six regions. These centres serve as hubs for job matching, referrals, and support services for both job seekers and employers.
In an effort to keep both groups informed, MoICE regularly publishes labour market bulletins, job seeker guides, and organizes employer forums. These resources help ensure that employment decisions are made with up-to-date and reliable information.
Beyond job placement, the ministry is investing in long-term solutions through career guidance and entrepreneurship programs. Initiatives such as the GOWA career planning tool, bootcamps, school outreach programs, and youth-focused toolkits are all part of an effort to nurture informed and confident career choices.
To further stimulate innovation, the government is also backing youth-led startups with funding, training, and incubation support—encouraging young Bhutanese to create jobs rather than just seek them.
According to MoICE, the goal of these initiatives is not just to reduce unemployment figures in the short term, but to prepare the next generation for a dynamic and evolving labour market.
As Bhutan continues to modernize its economy, the focus remains clear: empowering its youth with the skills, opportunities, and support they need to thrive.
