Singapore's MOM Lists Nine Countries for NTS Work Permits

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has published a list of nine countries eligible for roles under the Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) Occupation List, which includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Nationals from these countries can be hired by eligible firms for specific occupations as stated on their work permits.

Companies must meet three requirements: maintain a sub-dependency ratio ceiling of 8% for NTS work permit holders, pay each work permit holder a fixed monthly salary of at least $2,000, and ensure that workers only perform the specific occupation listed on their work permits. This scheme aims to provide structured access to foreign labor while keeping hiring within defined limits.

Notably, no African country is included in this list, meaning workers from nations such as Ghana, Kenya, or South Africa are not eligible for work permit positions under this pathway in Singapore.