Singapore's Ministry of Manpower has introduced a Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) Occupation List, identifying nine countries whose nationals are eligible for Work Permits under specific roles in the manufacturing and services sectors. The list, applicable in 2026, outlines eligible source countries and employer requirements. Countries eligible under the scheme include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
To qualify, employers must meet a sub-Dependency Ratio Ceiling of 8% and ensure NTS Work Permit holders receive a minimum monthly salary of $2,000. The eight occupation categories listed are cabin attendants, childcare workers, food processing workers, food services workers, heavy vehicle drivers, housekeeping workers, porters, and manufacturing workers. Each category has its own set of licensing conditions that hiring firms must satisfy.
Sector-specific licence requirements apply to each occupation category. Cabin attendants may only be hired by companies holding a valid Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore Air Operator Certificate or Foreign Operator's Permit. Childcare workers require employers to hold a valid Early Childhood Development Centre licence or appointment by the Early Childhood Development Agency.
Food processing workers are eligible if the hiring firm holds a valid Singapore Food Agency Food Processing Establishment or Slaughterhouse licence. Food services roles require a valid SFA Food Shop or Supermarket licence. Heavy vehicle drivers must hold a class 4 or 5 licence as of 1 September 2025 and are restricted from driving class 3 vehicles.
Housekeeping workers and porters may only be employed by licensed hotels, while manufacturing roles require the firm to hold a work pass account under the manufacturing sector. The full NTS Occupation List and associated conditions are published on the MOM official website.
The introduction of the NTS Occupation List is part of Singapore's efforts to manage its workforce. In a related development, Singapore has listed five distinct pathways for foreigners to apply for citizenship. The primary route requires applicants to hold Permanent Resident (PR) status for at least two years and be at least 21 years old.
Applicants who qualify through the primary route may include their PR spouse and unmarried children under 21 in the same application. This move aims to provide more opportunities for foreigners to integrate into Singaporean society. The NTS Occupation List and citizenship pathways reflect Singapore's ongoing efforts to balance its labour market needs with economic growth and social integration.
Key points
- Singapore introduces special work permit for 9 countries
- Eligible countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand
- Employers must meet a sub-Dependency Ratio Ceiling of 8% and pay a minimum monthly salary of $2,000
