Brunei Darussalam

## Brunei: Small Oil-Rich Sultanate with Real Bangladeshi Worker Presence

Brunei Darussalam is a small oil-rich sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo with a population of approximately 450,000. Despite its tiny population, Brunei hosts an estimated **25,000-40,000 Bangladeshi workers** — approximately 30% of the 100,000+ foreign workers in the country. Bangladeshi workers represent one of the largest foreign worker communities in Brunei.

### Bangladesh-Brunei Bilateral Relations

Bangladesh and Brunei established diplomatic relations on **5 May 1984**. The **Bangladesh High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan** (bandarseribegawan.mofa.gov.bd) is a resident high commission — not an honorary consulate. The mission's own records document approximately **15,500 documented Bangladeshi workers** and approximately **300 Bangladeshi-owned companies** operating in Brunei.

Bangladesh has been sending workers to Brunei on a **government-to-government (G2G) basis**, which provides a more controlled recruitment pathway compared to the purely private-agency models used in Malaysia.

### Economic Context

Brunei has a GDP per capita of approximately **$31,000** (2024) — more than 10 times Bangladesh's level. The economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas (approximately 60% of GDP), but the government has been diversifying into construction, tourism, and halal industries under the Wawasan Brunei 2035 vision.

The Brunei Dollar (BND) is pegged to the Singapore Dollar (SGD) at **1:1**, providing currency stability. Workers paid in BND benefit from the same exchange rate stability as Singapore workers.

### Labour Market

Foreign workers fill approximately **25% of Brunei's total labour force** (75,402 at peak in 2023). The dependency is extreme in certain sectors:
- **Construction**: 83 of every 100 jobs filled by foreign workers
- **Accommodation and food services**: 11,361 foreign workers = 63% of workforce
- **Local unemployment**: Approximately 5% (2025) — the government prioritizes local employment but cannot fill demand in labour-intensive sectors

### Sectors for Bangladeshi Workers

Bangladeshi workers in Brunei are concentrated in:
- **Construction**: Masonry, house painting, carpentry, general labour — the largest sector
- **Oil and gas support services**: Cleaning, maintenance, logistics
- **Hospitality**: Chefs, waiters, kitchen assistants, hotel maintenance
- **Cleaning and facilities management**: Office buildings, government facilities
- **Retail and services**: Small shops, garages, restaurants

### Work Permit System

Brunei's work permit system requires employer sponsorship. The employer applies to the **Department of Labour** under the Ministry of Home Affairs for a foreign worker quota. Key features:
- Work permits tied to employer (similar to Gulf kafala-adjacent systems)
- Employer responsible for worker accommodation, medical insurance, and return ticket
- Minimum wage: **BND 400/month** for lowest-paid sectors (equivalent to ~USD 300)
- Contract typically 2 years, renewable

### What Brunei Offers vs Malaysia/Singapore

Brunei sits between Malaysia and Singapore in terms of worker protection:
- **More regulated than Malaysia**: Smaller economy means closer government oversight, less syndicate-scale exploitation
- **Less regulated than Singapore**: Fewer NGO protections, less established complaint mechanisms
- **Similar to Gulf in structure**: Employer-tied permits, employer-provided accommodation
- **Unique advantage**: G2G recruitment reduces middleman extraction

### TIP Status

Brunei is classified **Tier 2 Watch List** (2025) — upgraded from Tier 3. The government increased investigations, prosecuted an alleged trafficker, provided services to 27 potential victims, and repatriated 13 victims. The National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Action Plan was updated. Progress is real but the Watch List classification signals ongoing concerns.

### BMET Clearance

If you travel to Brunei on a work-permit visa, you must obtain BMET clearance (smart card) from Bangladesh before departure — this applies to all work-visa migration regardless of destination. PDO training may be waived for workers with 12+ months prior overseas experience, but the smart card is still required. The smart card fee was abolished in December 2025 — any agent charging you for it is overcharging.

### Religious and Cultural Context

Brunei is an Islamic monarchy (Malay Islamic Monarchy or MIB). Sharia law applies broadly — alcohol is prohibited, halal food is universal, and Islamic holidays are observed nationally. For Bangladeshi Muslim workers, the religious environment is familiar and comfortable. Friday prayers are protected. Mosques are accessible in all residential areas.

The Active Jobs section above shows the current live count for Brunei.

The Active Jobs section above shows the current live count for Brunei.

### Sector Breakdown

**Construction** — the largest sector for Bangladeshi workers. Masonry, house painting, carpentry, general labour. Construction accounts for the majority of foreign worker employment, with 83 of every 100 construction jobs filled by foreign workers.

**Oil and gas support services** — cleaning, maintenance, logistics for Brunei's petroleum industry (Shell Brunei, Brunei LNG, Total). Not direct extraction roles but support services.

**Hospitality** — chefs, waiters, kitchen assistants, hotel maintenance. The hospitality sector (accommodation and food services) employs 11,361 foreign workers, representing 63% of the workforce in that sector.

**Cleaning and facilities management** — office buildings, government facilities, commercial properties.

**Retail and services** — small shops, garages, restaurants. Approximately 300 Bangladeshi-owned small businesses operate in Brunei.

### Wage Ranges (Indicative)

| Sector | Monthly (BND) | Monthly (USD approx) |
|--------|--------------|---------------------|
| Construction (general) | 400-700 | 300-525 |
| Construction (skilled) | 600-1,000 | 450-750 |
| Oil/gas support | 500-900 | 375-675 |
| Hospitality (kitchen) | 400-700 | 300-525 |
| Cleaning/maintenance | 400-600 | 300-450 |

Note: BND is pegged 1:1 to SGD. Accommodation typically provided by employer (no deduction). Wages are lower than Singapore but cost of living is also significantly lower.

Brunei's GDP per capita is approximately $31,000 (2024) — more than 10 times Bangladesh's level. The Brunei Dollar (BND) is pegged to the Singapore Dollar (SGD) at 1:1, providing the same currency stability as Singapore.

### Minimum Wage

Brunei introduced a minimum wage of **BND 400/month** for the lowest-paid sectors. This is significantly lower than Singapore or Malaysia, but accommodation is typically employer-provided (no deduction), reducing the effective cost of living.

### Wage Payment

Wages are paid directly by employers, typically monthly via bank transfer. Brunei does not have a centralized Wage Protection System. Disputes are handled by the Department of Labour.

### Cost of Living Advantage

Brunei's cost of living is lower than Singapore:
- No income tax (Brunei has no personal income tax)
- Subsidized fuel and utilities
- Employer-provided accommodation is standard for foreign workers
- Halal food is affordable and universally available

This means a worker earning BND 500/month in Brunei may save a comparable proportion to a worker earning SGD 800/month in Singapore, where accommodation and living costs consume more of the salary.

### Recruitment Fee Reality

Because recruitment to Brunei operates partly on a G2G basis, recruitment fees are reported to be lower than the Malaysia corridor. However, informal fees above the BMET legal limit of BDT 78,990 are still reported. Workers should verify total costs before accepting any offer.

The Bangladeshi community in Brunei numbers approximately 25,000-40,000 (estimated 30% of the 100,000+ foreign workers). The Bangladesh High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan documents approximately 15,500 registered workers and approximately 300 Bangladeshi-owned companies.

### Community Infrastructure

Brunei is a 100% Muslim country with Sharia law in effect. For Bangladeshi workers, this means:
- Halal food is universal — every restaurant, every shop
- Mosques are abundant with Friday prayers protected
- Ramadan and Eid are national events
- Alcohol is completely prohibited (no exceptions, unlike Malaysia where it is available in non-Muslim areas)
- Cultural modesty norms are familiar and comfortable for Bangladeshi Muslims

### Bangladeshi Businesses

Approximately 300 Bangladeshi-owned companies operate in Brunei, primarily in:
- Construction subcontracting
- Restaurants and food services
- Small retail
- Cleaning and maintenance services

This entrepreneurial presence distinguishes Brunei from pure labour-export destinations. Some Bangladeshi workers have transitioned from employees to business owners.

### Communication

Mobile coverage is good (DST, Progresif). WhatsApp and Facebook are widely used. Internet access is available in worker accommodations.

### Key Contact

Bangladesh High Commission, Bandar Seri Begawan: bandarseribegawan.mofa.gov.bd