Applying For A Work Permit: Navigating Brunei's Visa Process

Brunei is a small but affluent Asian state with a high standard of living, making it an attractive destination for emigrants. The country's economy is dominated by the oil and gas industry, but other sectors such as finance, tourism, and technology are also developing. To protect local employment opportunities and support economic diversification, Brunei requires foreign nationals to obtain a work permit for official employment. This process can be cumbersome and time-consuming, but it is essential for anyone seeking long-term employment in the country. In this guide, we will outline the steps and requirements for applying for a work permit in Brunei, including the necessary documents and clearances, to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process for prospective workers and their employers.

Required documents for a work permit

To obtain a work permit in Brunei, you must first determine the type of visa you need. The two main types of work visas in Brunei are the Visitor Visa (BVV) and the Employment Visa. The BVV is a short-term pass for conducting business activities, valid for up to three months. On the other hand, the Employment Visa is a long-term pass for foreign individuals who plan to work in Brunei for more than three months. This visa is valid for up to two years and can be renewed.

Once you have determined the type of visa you need, you can begin gathering the required documents. Here is a detailed list of the documents you will need for each type of visa:

Documents for the Visitor Visa (BVV):

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your entry into Brunei, and it should have at least six blank pages.
• Visa application form: You will need to complete the necessary visa application form.
• Passport-sized photographs: Two photographs taken on a white background, not older than six months.
• Flight ticket: Provide a copy of your confirmed flight ticket to Brunei.
• Medical check-up form and results: Undergo a medical examination as per the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health of Brunei.
• Proof of qualifications: If you are working in the tech or construction industries, you must submit proof of your qualifications through the digital system implemented by the Ministry of Health.

Documents for the Employment Visa:

• Valid passport: As with the BVV, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, with at least six blank pages.
• Receipt of visa fee payment: Provide proof of payment for the visa fee.
• Confirmation letters: You will need a confirmation letter from the Department of Immigration and National Registration, as well as a confirmation letter stating that your employer has a quota license from the Department of Labour.
• Passport-sized photographs: Two recent photographs on a white background.
• Job offer: Before applying for the work permit, you must have a confirmed job offer from a local employer. The employer must register and advertise the vacancy locally before offering you the position.
• LPA (Lesen Pekeria Asing) approval: Your employer must obtain approval for the LPA, which is a foreign worker license. This requires endorsements from the Job Centre Brunei (JCB) and the Employees Trust Fund (TAP Employees Fund).
• Working form 500: This form is part of the application process for the work permit.
• Visa application form: Complete the necessary visa application form.
• Work permit application form: Along with the visa application form, you will need to fill out the work permit application form.
• Copy of employer's application letter: Provide a copy of the employer's application letter to the Department of Immigration and National Registration.
• Copy of employer's labour license: Include a copy of the employer's labour license, which allows them to hire foreign citizens.
• Employee's identity card and passport: Provide copies of both the employee's identity card and passport.
• Education and qualification documents: Submit copies of documents that verify your education and qualifications for the position.
• Receipts for fee payments: Include receipts for all required fee payments.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and documents needed may vary depending on your situation and the type of work you will be doing in Brunei. Additionally, the process may be different for self-employed individuals starting their own business in the country.

Work permit application process

The process for applying for a work permit in Brunei may be lengthy and cumbersome, but it is manageable if you know the steps to take. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply for a work permit in Brunei.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

First, determine the type of visa you need. Brunei offers several types of visas for foreign workers, including the Business Visitor Visa (BVV), Professional Visit Visa (PVV), and Employment Visa. The BVV is a short-term visa for business activities such as meetings and negotiations, while the PVV is for professionals undertaking specific projects for up to 3 months. The Employment Visa is for long-term employment, valid for up to 2 years with the possibility of renewal.

Step 2: Register Vacancies and Obtain Clearances

If you are an employer, you must register your company with the Registry of Companies and Business Names and advertise all vacancies. You will also need to obtain clearance from the JOBCentre Brunei (JCB) and endorsement from the Employees Trust Fund (Tabung Amanah Pekerja, TAP).

Step 3: Apply for Lesen Pekeria Asing (LPA)

Both employers and employees must apply for the LPA, which is a foreign worker license. Employers will need to submit documents such as working form 500, the visa application form, the application form for a work permit, a copy of the employer's application letter to the Department of Immigration and National Registration, and a copy of the employer's labour license. Employees will be responsible for documents such as a copy of their passport, identity card, and educational qualifications. Once approved, a security deposit must be paid, and the LPA will be issued within 2 weeks.

Step 4: Medical Examinations and Pre-Application Requirements

Employees must undergo a medical check-up at an approved healthcare centre as per the Ministry of Health's guidelines. Additionally, they will need to prepare pre-application documents, including a valid passport, a business registration certificate, an application letter from the employer, and an application form (Form 23).

Step 5: Apply for the Employment Visa

Once the LPA and pre-application requirements are completed, the final step is to apply for the Employment Visa, also known as the Employment Pass. This application is made to the Department of Immigration and National Registration. The processing time for the Employment Pass is approximately 5 working days.

Step 6: Register for the Green Identity Card (if applicable)

If the employee plans to stay in Brunei for more than 3 months, they must register with the National Registration Identity System to obtain a Green Identity Card. This card is valid for the same duration as the Employment Visa and must be renewed together with the visa.

Step 7: Stay Compliant with Government Policies

The Employment Visa is valid for up to 2 years, after which it must be renewed every 2 years. Additionally, the Department of Labour will conduct a mandatory inspection within 6 months of approval to ensure compliance with government regulations and the validity of the employee's work visa.

Foreign worker license

Foreigners seeking employment in Brunei are typically required to obtain a work permit, also known as an employment pass, prior to entering the country. This process can be lengthy and involves several steps and documentation. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs has simplified the process for highly skilled professionals, reducing processing times for sectors like oil, gas, and technology.

The first step in obtaining a Foreign Worker License, officially known as Lesen Pekerja Asing (LPA), is for employers to register and advertise vacancies. They must then obtain clearance from JOBCentre Brunei and endorsement from the Employees Trust Fund (TAP). The employer or company must also be registered with the Registry of Companies & Business Names (ROCBN) and comply with the rules set by the Department of Labor and the Department of Immigration and National Registration.

Once the employer has completed the initial steps, the following documents are required for the LPA application:

• Two copies of the foreign worker application form
• A copy of the identity card and valid passport for each applicant, owner, or partner in the company
• Copies of approval letters from relevant government agencies, if applicable
• A list of local employees verified by the TAP
• Verification of mandatory registration from JobCentre Brunei
• A copy of the certificate equivalent to the occupation if the position requires specific qualifications
• A copy of the tenancy agreement for the office or company and worker residence, if applicable
• In the case of construction activities, attached copies of ongoing or upcoming projects

After submitting the required documentation, the employer must pay a security deposit to the finance unit of the Department of Labor. The total processing time for an LPA is typically 14 days.

Upon approval of the LPA, foreign workers must undergo a pre-employment medical examination at accredited health centres in Brunei, as per the conditions set by the Ministry of Health. Once the medical report is approved, the following application documents must be filed:

• An application letter from the employer to the Director of Immigration and National Registration
• An employment pass application form
• A visa application form
• The employer's labour license
• Labour department Form 500
• A passport recognised by the Brunei Director of Immigration and National Registration, valid for more than six months before entering the country

After the documents are verified and the visa application is approved, the applicant may collect the work pass from a Brunei diplomatic mission. The pass is valid for two years and can be renewed for additional two-year periods.

Employment pass

The Employment Pass is a long-term work authorisation pass necessary for working in Brunei legally. It is also known as a work visa. The Employment Pass is typically required for longer jobs, such as technical work, project planning, and marketing.

The Employment Pass can be applied for after obtaining the Lesen Pekerja Asing (LPA) or Foreign Worker License. The LPA is valid for up to two years and is issued to foreign nationals.

The Employment Pass application process involves a medical examination, as outlined by the Ministry of Health, and the submission of the appropriate documentation for the work application. The processing time for the Employment Pass is about five days. Once issued, the pass is valid for two years and can be renewed as needed.

If an individual plans on holding an Employment Pass for three months or more, they must also apply for a Green Identity Card or IC Smart Identity Card from the Department of Immigration and National Registration. This card is part of the national ID system and requires an immigration pass.

Special Authorisation Work Pass

The Special Authorisation Work Pass (SAWP) is a type of work permit issued to foreign workers in Brunei. It is a non-renewable license for individuals seeking employment in the oil, petroleum, IT, or construction sectors. The pass is also available to professionals working on short-term contracts in renewable energy sectors. The SAWP is valid for a maximum of 12 months, and applications are processed within 3 working days.

To be eligible for the SAWP, applicants must meet specific requirements and submit the necessary documentation. The exact requirements may vary depending on the applicant's country of origin and the specific sector they intend to work in. However, some standard requirements include possessing the necessary qualifications, skills, and expertise relevant to the job.

When applying for the SAWP, applicants typically need to provide the following documents:

• Completed visa application form
• Passport with at least six months' validity and blank pages
• Copy of the passport
• Two passport-sized photographs on a white background, taken no earlier than six months before the application
• Copy of the flight ticket to Brunei
• Medical checkup form and results
• Proof of qualifications (for tech and construction industry workers, this proof must be verified through the digital system implemented by Brunei's Ministry of Health)

It is important to note that the SAWP is not the only type of work permit available in Brunei. The country offers various visas and work permits catering to different purposes and durations of stay. These include the Business Visitor Visa (BVV), Professional Visit Visa (PVV), Foreign Worker License (Lesen Pekerja Asing, LPA), and the Employment Pass. Each of these options has its own set of requirements and application procedures.

Therefore, when planning to work in Brunei, it is essential to carefully research the specific requirements and procedures applicable to your nationality, intended sector of employment, and desired type of work permit or visa. The official website of the Brunei Department of Immigration and National Registration is a reliable source of information for prospective applicants.

Frequently asked questions