Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman emphasises that the whole-of-nation approach is very important because it ensures effectiveness and coherence in the implementation of policies, strategies and initiatives at the national level.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), in implementing its Strategic Plan for the years 2023 to 2027, has coordinated efforts in supporting the Brunei Vision 2035, which is based on three aspirations, namely Security and Prosperity; Transformation of Urban, Regional and Community Development; as well as Good Governance and Quality Services.
To support Goal 1, which is an Educated, Highly Skilled and Successful People, the ministry has implemented various capacity development initiatives including introducing the Penghulu Mukim and Village Head Competency Framework in May 2025.
Based on statistics received from Talian Darussalam 123, last year alone out of 1.2 million complaints received (either via WhatsApp, emails and phone calls to 123), more than 654,000 calls were made based on complaints received from the respective mukim and village communities and of this total, 91 per cent of the complaints have already been completed and action has been taken by the relevant government agencies.
To support Goal 2 – ensuring a high quality of life for the people – the government has continued to upgrade infrastructure across sub-districts and villages.
From 2022 to July 15, 2025, this included bridge repairs in Kampong Ayer, road elevation works in frequently flooded or damaged areas, and renovations of guest houses and stalls to make them more welcoming for both locals and tourists.
Efforts also focused on improving access to essential services such as clean water and electricity, ensuring every resident benefits from basic infrastructure. To improve job opportunities for locals and support the well-being of the local workforce, the ministry – through the Department of Labour – now requires all companies seeking to hire foreign workers to first obtain a Clearance Letter from the Pusat Pekerjaan Brunei.
This requirement ensures that local jobseekers are given priority before employers can bring in foreign workers. It also helps businesses work towards better localisation in their workforce.
As of April 1, 2024, there were 1,444 retail companies in Brunei employing 14,351 workers – 6,001 locals and 8,350 foreigners. All retail businesses are locally owned, though 475 have joint ownership with foreigners.
The minister noted that visa and Work Pass processes for foreign workers are now more transparent and involve relevant government agencies.
The 2024 Manpower Survey also showed local workforce participation rose to 71.3 per cent, up 3.8 per cent from the previous year, while foreign workers made up 28.7 per cent of the labour market.
To strengthen protection for foreign workers, the ministry introduced a new insurance policy, rolled out in phases starting on July 1. The second phase, covering private sector employees, dependent pass holders, and foreign students, will begin on January 1 next year.
In 2024, the guidelines for applying for permanent resident status have been updated,which includes adjusting the conditions for the period of marriage and age limits for several categories of applications. Between 2020 and July 2025, a total of 1,454 stateless individuals and foreign nationals were granted Permanent Resident status in Brunei.
Meanwhile, from 2010 to July 2025, 17,068 citizenship applications were processed, with 12,200 individuals successfully obtaining Brunei Citizenship under the Brunei Nationality Act, Chapter 15.
To support this process, the ministry, in collaboration with the Language Board, has revised the curriculum for the Malay Language Written and Oral Examinations, providing updated reference materials for candidates.
To support Goal 3, the ministry has always supported the government’s efforts to attract more traders and foreign direct investors (FDI) to this country, including by introducing the Long Term Pass policy specifically for foreign citizens involved in the business and investment sectors in this country.
The ministry continues to support socio-economic development by assisting micro, small, and medium-sized traders through initiatives such as upgrading Tamu Selera stalls and providing seasonal trading spaces, including for food truck vendors. More than 30 sales platforms and expo opportunities have been provided to support One Village One Product (1K1P) entrepreneurs. During this year’s Hari Raya celebration alone, hamper sales reached over BND21,000, while total sales of 1K1P products from January 2024 to July 2025 exceeded BND1.9 million.
District Offices also continue local economic initiatives to encourage youth participation.
This includes inmate-made INSAF brand handicrafts promoted at expos and online.
Academic sessions for selected inmates will begin in October, ahead of the GCE ‘O’ Level exams in June 2026.
The minister reaffirmed MoHA’s commitment to rehabilitation and called for strong support from families, communities and the government.
(News & pic source: Borneo Bulletin)
