- Singapore will add eight occupations to its Non-Traditional Source (NTS) Occupation List, expanding Work Permit opportunities for foreign workers
- The new roles cover the Food Services, Social Services and Air Transportation sectors
- Employers hiring under the expanded list must pay a fixed monthly salary of at least S$2,000 (approximately KSh 170,000) and comply with an 8% NTS sub-Dependency Ratio Ceiling
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced plans to add eight new occupations to the country's Non-Traditional Source (NTS) Occupation List, allowing employers to recruit foreign workers on Work Permits for a wider range of jobs.
The expansion was announced as part of a broader package of foreign workforce policy updates under the Committee of Supply (COS) 2026.
According to MOM, the new occupations will cover the Food Services, Social Services and Air Transportation sectors, where employers face challenges meeting workforce demand through local recruitment.
Eight new occupations added to Singapore's Work Permit list
The eight occupations set to be included in the NTS Occupation List are:
- Cooks
- Butchers, fishmongers and related food preparers
- Food and drink stall assistants
- Kitchen assistants
- Waiters
- Cabin attendants
- Babysitters and infant caregivers
- Educarers
The expansion will give employers in the listed industries access to foreign workers from Singapore's approved non-traditional source countries and regions, subject to the applicable Work Permit conditions.
Salary and quota requirements for employers
Businesses hiring foreign workers under the expanded list must meet two main requirements.
First, they must pay each worker a fixed monthly salary of at least S$2,000 (approximately KSh 170,000).
Second, employers must ensure their NTS workforce does not exceed the 8% sub-Dependency Ratio Ceiling (sub-DRC) applied to their total workforce.
MOM said the requirements are intended to protect local wage levels while ensuring employers recruit workers who meet the expected standards.
Further details on the hiring requirements and implementation of the expanded list are expected to be published on the ministry's official website.
Singapore announces wider foreign workforce policy changes
The addition of the eight occupations forms part of several changes to Singapore's foreign workforce policies announced under COS 2026.
For Employment Pass applicants in most sectors, the minimum qualifying monthly salary will increase from S$5,600 to S$6,000 (approximately KSh 476,000 to KSh 510,000) for new applications from January 2027.
In the Financial Services sector, the minimum will rise from S$6,200 to S$6,600 (approximately KSh 527,000 to KSh 561,000).
The minimum qualifying salary for S Pass applicants will also increase. In general sectors, it will rise from S$3,300 to S$3,600 (approximately KSh 280,500 to KSh 306,000), while the Financial Services threshold will increase from S$3,800 to S$4,000 (approximately KSh 323,000 to KSh 340,000).
The revised salary requirements will apply to new applications from January 2027 and renewal applications from January 2028.
New ONE Pass track and Work Permit levy changes
MOM also announced plans to introduce a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track in January 2027, replacing the existing Tech.Pass.
Under the proposed arrangement, eligible applicants will be allowed to combine cash and non-cash remuneration, including Employee Stock Option Plans, to meet the S$30,000 monthly salary criterion (approximately KSh 2.55 million).
Separately, changes to Work Permit levy rates in the Marine Shipyard, Process, Manufacturing and Services sectors are scheduled to take effect from 2028.
The later implementation date is intended to give affected businesses more time to prepare for the changes.
The policy updates form part of Singapore's broader approach to managing foreign labour demand while maintaining employment and wage standards for local workers.
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