More than 700 youths had gone to Japan under " Learn and Earn Programme". Dreams and enthusiasms got dashed when youths realisedthat it was quite impossible to learn and earn at the same time and pay off loans taken to enter the programme.
The youths became victims of the greed of unscrupulous Bhutanese and Japanese Agents. Whilst the Japanese government had nothing to do with the Agency in Japan, the Bhutanese Government had everything to do with the Bhutanese Agency in Bhutan.
The issue of the sad plights of Bhutanese youths in Japan was sidelined by the new Bhutanese government until recently when Japanese media also picked up the same issues that have been the hot topics here in Bhutan among general public for the last several months.
Towards the end of last week, the Bhutanese Prime Minister announced two major decisions which together at one stroke brings solutions to the grievances of the youths.
1. The repayment of the loans have been deferred until after the " Learning " period is over and the youths step into the " Earning " stage.
2. The extension of Japanese visas related to such Bhutanese youths in Japan under " Learn and Earn " programme would be looked into jointly by the Japanese and Bhutanese Embassies at New Delhi.
The above two decisions solves almost all problems relating to employment opportunities in Japan and loan repayment terms. I feel the Prime Minister has really put the best foot forward and I appreciate the decisions. Hopefully all youths and parents also are thankful to both Bhutanese and Japanese governments.
What remains is the initial loan principal. The Bhutanese Agency BEO had overcharged the Bhutanese youths and also seems to have made a killing from handsome commissions paid by Japanese Language Schools through the Partner Agent in Japan. And to cover the commissions, high tuition fees were collected from Bhutanese youths by the Language Schools. It seems that proficiency in Japanese Language is mandatory for employment in Japan. Thus the clouts enjoyed by such Language Schools.
The Anti Corruption Commission of Bhutan have investigated the whole " Learn and Earn " scheme and have made criminal charges against Bhutanese Agency " BEO " and few officials of Ministry of Labour and Human Resources. However, the Office of Attorney General is yet to decide on prosecution. Political play is suspected.
A constructive solution would be for BEO to offer to pay each youth as compensation a sum of Nu: 100,000 + interest till date to address the grievances of the youths in addition to refunds pointed out by ACC. BEO can easily absorb these payments from the commissions received and profit accrued. OAG could then initiate an out of court settlement in consultation with ACC regarding the BEO business licence and service of Labour Ministry officials under administrative actions. It would be a win- win for all stakeholders.
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