Bokeo Holds Consultation to Strengthen Employment Services and Tackle Labour Shortages

Bokeo: The Department of Labour and Social Welfare of Bokeo Province convened a consultation meeting on July 9 to enhance employment services and address ongoing labour shortages in the local labour market. The meeting was chaired by Vannasone Phothipanya, Head of the Bokeo Provincial Labour and Social Welfare Department, and attended by representatives from relevant provincial departments, the Provincial People's Council, business operators, and labour management authorities. According to Lao News Agency, during the session, Sinlapakone Lomvilayvong, Head of the Labour Section, presented an overview of the province's employment services and the work of the employment focal point. Currently, Bokeo Province faces a total labour demand of 18,819 workers. In the first half of 2025, a total of 384 workers were recruited across various sectors-257 in agriculture, 56 in industry, and 71 in services. Participants raised several key challenges, including labour migration management, particularly the growing number of Lao workers registering to work abroad. They also emphasized the importance of ensuring that recruitment processes within the province comply with national labour law. The meeting concluded with recommendations to strengthen labour units, promote legal hiring practices, and align workforce development initiatives with existing labour regulations.