Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs
3 foreign workers without any documents issued by the Department of Immigration were apprehended by the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) on 26 May 2020 at a private construction site close to the international border at Pekarzhing under Phuentsholing Thromde.
All 3 workers had entered the country clandestinely in collusion with the site supervisor and the case is currently under investigation by the Department of Immigration and Royal Bhutan Police.
The 3 foreign workers and the site supervisor, who is a Bhutanese citizen, were immediately quarantined on 26 May 2020 at their own cost. They were tested for COVID-19 on 27 May 2020 and all tested negative.
The owner and site supervisor have committed a serious offence and will face severe consequences including punitive action. They shall be charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for violating provisions of the Penal Code and Immigration Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan.
They have violated COVID-19 Notifications issued on the suspension of entry of foreign workers and closure of the international border, which remains in effect.
This incident is a grim reminder and a highly irresponsible and selfish act committed with complete disregard for the well-being of the people and nation. Such reckless acts shall not be condoned under any circumstances and the general public is reminded and urged to comply with all Notifications and measures put in place to mitigate the risks of transmission and spread of COVID-19 in Bhutan.
C19TF, Phuentsholing
28 May 2020