SINGAPORE EXPANDS NTS OCCUPATIONAL LIST TO INCLUDE TWO NEW OCCUPATIONS

The Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) Occupation List was initially announced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) at the Committee of Supply 2022 in order to help firms to adjust to the S Pass qualifying salary and levy increases. Therefore, this will take effect on 1 September 2023 where these firms will be allowed access to NTS Work Permit holders for occupations with pressing manpower needs. 

Under the latest expanded list, there are nine occupations on the NTS OL. The list of occupations, along with the quota and salary criterion supports the longer-term shirt in order to be more manpower-lean and address the industries; manpower needs while balancing local employment results. 

The full list of occupation on the NTS OL and NTS countries include: 

a. Cooks in Indian restaurants

b. Workers in food processing firms such as vegetable pickler, condiments and sauce makers

1. Exclude 

• Food processing supervisors and general foreman

• Other food and beverage jobs such as tasters, graders, bakers, pastry-cooks and confectionery makers

c. Workers in manufacturing firms such as general manufacturers, precision engineering, transport engineering, automotive firms, working as:

1. Sheet metal workers

2. Welders and flame cutters

3. Metal moulders and coremakers

4. Riggers and cable splicers

5. Structural metal preparer and erectors

With the two new inclusions, licensed hotels will be able to hire NTS housekeepers and porters at the Work Permit level from 1 September 2023. This was confirmed by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). 

Executive Director of the Singapore Hotel Association, Margaret Heng said that the association alongside 160 members welcome the inclusion of housekeepers and porters onto the NTS OL scheme of licensed hotels. 

She hopes that this scheme despite recruiting talents are getting difficult, it will help these essential roles to deliver excellent service and memorable experiences 

Lastly, she added that with this critical move, hotels can now tap on non-traditional sources to alleviate operational challenges and safeguard Singapore’s reputation as a travel destination.