Hawkers can hire more long-term visit pass holders as stall assistants from 2025

Get ready for some exciting changes in Singapore's beloved hawker scene! Starting January 1, 2025, you'll see a fresh wave of faces helping out at your favorite food stalls.

Hawkers will soon be able to hire from a wider pool of long-term visit pass holders. This move aims to help tackle the rising costs of running a stall.

But don't worry - the local flavor of hawker culture isn't going anywhere. The National Environment Agency (NEA) is making sure of that. They're expanding who can work as stall assistants while keeping the heart and soul of hawker centers intact.

Here's what you need to know about the new rules:

• Long-term visit pass holders can now work as stall assistants
• They don't have to be related to the stallholder
• Passholders get to stay for up to 2 years on their first application
• Long-term visit pass-plus holders are also welcome (they can stay up to 3 years!)

This change is a big deal for hawkers. It gives them more options when looking for help. And it's not just about having more hands on deck. These new workers bring their skills and experiences to the table.

But what about the costs of running a stall? Let's break it down:

As you can see, manpower is a big chunk of the budget. That's why this new rule is so important. It could really help hawkers manage their expenses better.

The NEA isn't stopping there. They've got other programs to help hawkers boost productivity:

1. Productive Hawker Centres Programme

   • Offers subsidies for using centralized dishwashing services

2. Hawkers' Productivity Grant

   • Helps hawkers buy tech to improve their work processes

Now, you might be wondering about rent. It's been in the news lately, especially after some high bids for stalls. But don't panic! Those sky-high prices aren't the norm. In fact:

• 1 in 5 cooked food stalls went for $500 or less per month in 2023
• The median tender price was about $2,000 in 2022
• It dropped to $1,800 in 2023

The NEA is keeping a close eye on things. They're looking at ways to keep the system fair and food affordable. They're even thinking about sharing more info online to help potential bidders make smart choices.

Remember, it's all about balance. Hawkers need to consider what you're willing to pay when they bid for stalls. It's a delicate dance between staying in business and keeping prices reasonable.

So next time you're enjoying your favorite hawker dish, take a moment to appreciate the changes happening behind the scenes. These new rules are all about making sure you can keep enjoying great food at fair prices for years to come.

And who knows? You might just meet some interesting new faces serving up your go-to meals. It's an exciting time for Singapore's hawker culture, and you're part of it!