Is a Work Permit Needed in Brunei?
In Brunei, a work permit is essential for foreign nationals due to the country’s unique economic structure and labor market dynamics. One of the primary reasons for this requirement is to protect the employment opportunities for Bruneian citizens. Brunei’s small population means that the government must carefully manage its workforce to ensure that locals have access to available jobs. By requiring work permits, the government ensures that foreign workers are only hired in positions where there is a clear shortage of local talent, thus prioritizing employment for Bruneians.
Another significant reason for the work permit requirement in Brunei is the need to support the country’s economic diversification goals. Traditionally reliant on oil and gas, Brunei is working to diversify its economy by developing other sectors such as finance, tourism, and technology. The work permit system allows the government to attract highly skilled foreign professionals who can contribute to these emerging sectors. This targeted approach helps in filling critical skill gaps and promotes the transfer of knowledge and expertise to the local workforce, which is crucial for the country’s long-term economic development.
Legal compliance and labor standards are also important considerations in Brunei’s work permit system. The government uses the work permit process to ensure that foreign workers are employed under conditions that meet Bruneian labor laws. This includes ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social security benefits. By enforcing these standards, the government aims to prevent exploitation and abuse of foreign workers, ensuring that all workers in Brunei are treated with respect and fairness.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has simplified the work permit application process for highly skilled professionals, reducing processing times for certain sectors like oil, gas, and technology from 2-4 weeks to 7-14 days.
Additionally, the introduction of digital applications has reduced delays and increased transparency for employers.
Job Market in Brunei
Brunei’s economy is dominated by the oil and petroleum industry, making the nation a recurrent member of the world’s richest countries list. With a booming economy and English as the official business language, the number of foreigners searching for jobs in Brunei has grown substantially.
Brunei is also a famous work destination for ASEAN nationals looking for overseas job opportunities. Brunei is classified as a developed country second to Singapore in the Human Development Index in Southeast Asia. The Brunei government has also started an online job portal called Job Centre Brunei, where foreign workers can browse for job opportunities.
The Brunei government has introduced new incentives for foreign talent in the tech sector, including tax breaks and faster work permit approvals for professionals in IT, AI, and software development.
Number of Expats:
50,000-100,000
Expats Job Websites:
Popular Industries for Expats:
Petroleum and Gas Sector, Banking, Hospitality, Construction, Education
Types of Brunei Work Visas
For foreigners, Brunei work permits and work visas are of the following categories:
Business Visa (BVV):
The Business Visitor Visa (BVV) is issued to anyone who wants to invest, start, or participate in a business meeting in Brunei. Anyone who possesses valid APEC Business Travel Cards (ABTCs) with an approved “Valid for Travel to BRN” can enter Brunei without a BVV.
Professional Visit Visa (PVV):
This Visa is issued to anyone who will undertake professional work or is a field expert. Brunei usually offers this visa to foreigners to oversee a project in Brunei. PVV is issued for a maximum of 3 months.
Employment Visa:
Issued to those who want to stay and work in Brunei. Brunei offers exemption from the Employment Visa to nationals of Singapore and Malaysia.
Work Permits in Brunei
Apart from the work visas, Brunei has a few work permits that it issues to foreign workers:
- Lesen Pekerja Asing (LPA): The Foreign Worker License, valid for up to two years, issued to foreign nationals. New in 2024: LPA applications can now be tracked online, providing real-time status updates to both employers and workers.
- Employment Pass: A long-term work authorization pass necessary for working in Brunei legally. It can be applied for after obtaining the LPA.
- Special Authorization Work Pass (SAWP): A non-renewable license for work in the oil, petroleum, IT, or construction sectors. Issued for a maximum of 12 months. 2024 Update: The SAWP is now available for professionals working on short-term contracts in renewable energy sectors.
- Green Smart Identity Card: Every person residing in Brunei for more than three months must apply for a Green Smart Identity Card. This card is part of the national ID system and requires an immigration pass.
Brunei Work Permit Requirements
Every foreigner who wants to work in Brunei needs a valid Employment Visa issued by their respective country’s High Commission of Brunei Darussalam. This visa will be authorized by the Immigration and National Registration Department of Brunei.
For those of applicants who will be applying for an Employment Visa in Brunei, the following documents are required:
- A completed Visa Application form
- A passport with six months validity and six blank pages
- A copy of the passport
- Two passport-sized photographs (on a white background, no older than six months)
- A copy of the flight ticket to Brunei
- A medical checkup form and results
- 2024 Update: Foreign workers in the tech and construction industries are now required to submit proof of qualifications verified through the new digital system implemented by Brunei’s Ministry of Health.
Application Processing Time
The visa application, for all visa types, is processed within five working days, provided all documentation is submitted correctly. The application for Lesen Pekerja Asing (LPA) is handled by the Labour and Immigration Department of Brunei, typically processed within 5 working days. The SAWP, however, is processed within 3 working days.
Processing times have been optimized with the introduction of digital submissions, reducing delays by up to 30%.
How Does Multiplier Help With Work Permits?
Multiplier is a Global EOR firm with experience in handling HR solutions and local expertise in over 150 countries. For multinational corporate companies seeking effective personnel management, our professionals handle the entire onboarding and employee management process.
Brunei’s immigration laws are strict, and visa applications often involve coordination across multiple departments. By partnering with Multiplier, you’ll gain access to one-stop solutions, where our in-house team manages every stage of the application and keeps you updated at every step.
