The NTS Work Permit is a new program in Singapore that lets companies hire workers from certain countries for specific jobs. It's designed to help businesses find employees for roles that are hard to fill with local workers.
You can hire workers from Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand for seven specific occupations under this program. These jobs are in areas where companies often struggle to find enough local staff.
If you run a business in Singapore's manufacturing or services sectors, the NTS Work Permit could help you meet your staffing needs. It's part of a plan to balance workforce needs with efforts to increase local employment and automation.
The NTS Work Permit allows companies to hire workers from specific countries for certain jobs. It aims to help businesses meet their staffing needs in key areas.
The Non-Traditional Source (NTS) Occupation List lets firms hire Work Permit holders from countries like Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. This permit is for jobs that are hard to fill with local workers or automate.
The NTS Work Permit helps companies in the manufacturing and services sectors. You can use it to adjust to new rules about S Pass salaries and fees. It gives you access to workers for jobs that locals don't often take.
To use the NTS Work Permit, your company must meet certain rules:
Be in the manufacturing or services sector
Hire no more than 8% of your total workforce from NTS countries
Have specific job openings listed on the NTS Occupation List
The jobs on this list are ones that local workers don't often choose and are hard to automate. This includes roles like lorry drivers, heavy truck drivers, and other positions with pressing manpower needs.
To apply for an NTS Work Permit, follow these steps:
Check if your company qualifies
Ensure the job is on the NTS Occupation List
Find a worker from an approved NTS country
Apply through the Ministry of Manpower website
The new system started on September 1, 2023. You'll need to show that you meet all requirements. This includes proving the job matches the list and that you're within the 8% limit for NTS workers.
For some jobs, like drivers, extra steps may apply. For example, you might need to get a special license from the Traffic Police for your worker.
The Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) Occupation List enables firms in Singapore's Manufacturing and Services sectors to hire Work Permit holders from specific countries for designated occupations. This initiative addresses labor shortages in roles that are challenging to fill locally and difficult to automate.
Firms can hire Work Permit holders from the following NTS countries:
Bangladesh
India
Myanmar
Philippines
Sri Lanka
Thailand
As of September 1, 2023, the NTS Occupation List comprises of the following roles:
Cooks in Indian Restaurants: To support Singapore's multi-ethnic food culture, Indian restaurants can hire cooks from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Housekeeping Workers and Porters in Licensed Hotels: Licensed hotels can employ housekeepers and porters from NTS countries to address manpower needs in the hospitality sector.
Food Processing Workers: Roles in food processing firms, such as vegetable picklers and condiment makers. This excludes supervisors, general foremen, and other food and beverage jobs like tasters, graders, bakers, pastry-cooks, and confectionery makers.
Manufacturing Sector Roles: Positions in manufacturing firms, including general manufacturers, precision engineering, transport engineering, and automotive firms, specifically:
Sheet metal workers
Welders and flame cutters
Metal moulders and core makers
Riggers and cable splicers
Structural metal preparers and erectors
Sub-Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC): Firms must maintain a sub-DRC of 8% for NTS Work Permit holders under the NTS Occupation List.
Salary Criteria: Employers are required to pay a fixed monthly salary of at least $2,000 to Work Permit holders performing occupations on the NTS Occupation List.
Job-Specific Roles: Work Permit holders must only perform the occupation stated on their Work Permit.
This structured approach ensures that businesses can meet their manpower needs while balancing local employment opportunities and maintaining fair labor practices.
The NTS Work Permit opens new doors for employers in Singapore. It allows hiring from non-traditional source countries for specific jobs.
This permit aims to fill gaps in the workforce. It's designed for roles that locals don't often take and are hard to automate.
Companies can hire up to 8% of their total workforce through this program. This gives you more options to find skilled foreign workers.
There are rules to follow:
Workers must earn at least S$2,000 monthly
Only certain sectors and jobs qualify
You need a valid license for your business
The NTS Work Permit helps balance your workforce needs. It supports growth while protecting local jobs.
Remember, this is a tool to complement your existing team. Use it wisely to boost your business and stay competitive.
Keep an eye on the Ministry of Manpower website for updates. Rules may change as the program evolves.
If there are changes in your business trade description, you need to resubmit your SFA license for reevaluation.
By understanding and using this permit correctly, you can strengthen your workforce and drive your business forward.
