In the second round of Question Hour held today, Members raised key public interest issues with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade. Five oral questions and six written questions were tabled. Of the five oral questions, three were directed to the Ministry of Finance, one to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and one to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The three oral questions directed to the Ministry of Finance were deferred to the next Question Hour session, as the Minister of Finance was at the National Council to introduce the Budget Appropriation Bill for FY 2026–2027 and the Supplementary Budget Appropriation Bill for FY 2025–2026.

The Member from Bji–Katsho–Uesu Constituency questioned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade on the safety and welfare of Bhutanese citizens residing in the Middle East amid the ongoing regional conflict. The Member sought information on the number of Bhutanese currently living and working in the region, those who have returned since the escalation of hostilities, support measures for returnees, arrangements to monitor the well-being of citizens who remain in affected countries, and contingency plans in the event the security situation deteriorates further.

In response, the Minister acknowledged the importance of the concern and informed the House that the Ministry has been closely monitoring the situation. Of the Bhutanese residing abroad, about 11 percent are working in Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Oman.The Minister reported that during the past three months of the conflict, around 180 Bhutanese citizens had returned permanently, while 128 returned to Bhutan on leave. The Minister further informed the House that 123 Bhutanese citizens have since travelled back to the Middle East to resume their employment, indicating that the overall situation remains manageable. Regarding support for returnees, the Minister informed the House that of the 180 who returned permanently, about 90 have already secured employment in contract and private-sector jobs, while others have been enrolled in skilling programmes and provided support for entrepreneurship initiatives. Some returnees are also exploring employment opportunities in other countries. The Ministry continues to assist those seeking employment within Bhutan. However, the Minister informed the House that some returnees have neither registered with nor contacted the Ministry, making it difficult for the Ministry to reach out and provide the necessary support. On the safety and welfare of Bhutanese citizens who remain in the Middle East, the Minister stated that the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Kuwait has been actively monitoring the situation and providing regular updates to the Government. The Minister further stressed the importance of Bhutanese citizens registering with the Embassy, noting that many have yet to do so. Regarding contingency measures, the Minister informed the House that a National Coordination Committee comprising all relevant agencies has been established, with clear roles and responsibilities in place to respond should the security situation worsen and evacuation become necessary.

The Member from Lamgong–Wangchang Constituency raised concerns over delays in tourist permit processing at the Phuentsholing Integrated Check Post and permit processing terminal. The Member sought clarification on the causes of congestion and prolonged waiting times and inquired about long-term measures being planned to improve infrastructure, technology, staffing, and service delivery to ensure a smoother and more visitor-friendly entry process.

In response, the Minister informed the House that the Ministry is fully aware of the issues at the Phuentsholing Integrated Check Post and permit processing terminal and has been taking measures to address them. He stated that the congestion and delays were mainly caused by an exceptionally high number of tourist arrivals on that particular day, the Indian elections, ongoing maintenance works at the Immigration Office where services are provided at the terminal, and the increasing movement of Bhutanese travelers through the entry point.

Emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted service delivery, the Minister informed the House that permit processing services are provided 24 hours a day, including during national holidays, weekends and after office hours. The Minister further stated that the maintenance works at the Immigration office are expected to be completed soon. Upon completion, additional facilities such as Wi-Fi services and SIM card availability will be introduced to enhance visitor convenience. The Ministry is making digital and easy processes through online visa and permit processing systems to improve efficiency and facilitate a smoother entry process for tourists. Also fasttrack services through e-gates. In the meantime, all necessary support continues to be provided to ensure better service delivery.

Six written questions were also submitted to the Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Home Affairs on issues including housing and vehicle financing, appointment of Drungpas in vacant Drungkhags, regulation of traditional games during festivals, the status of reviving drayangs, property tax-sharing mechanisms, and the impact of fuel price escalation on government construction projects.