Singapore Opens Doors to Indian Cooks Amid Manpower Shortage

Singapore, August 17, 2023: In a strategic move to address the ongoing manpower shortages in its hospitality sector, Singapore has announced the inclusion of Indian cooks in the list of eligible recruits. The decision comes as part of the country’s efforts to diversify its talent pool for specific job roles across the services and manufacturing industries.

Historically, Singapore’s services and manufacturing sectors have primarily relied on work permit holders from countries such as China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan. However, with a view to tackling workforce challenges, the Ministry of Manpower has extended its hiring options to include Indian cooks.

Starting from September 1, businesses interested in employing work permit holders from Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) can begin submitting their applications through the ministry’s official website. The NTS category encompasses countries like Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

The move grants Indian cooks the opportunity to join the ranks of housekeepers and porters as eligible hires for work permit holders. A panel comprising industry and government experts, with a specialization in Indian cuisine, will assess the applications. This expansion also opens doors for potential hires from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

This initiative aligns with Singapore’s aim to enrich its diverse culinary landscape by incorporating additional recruitment sources alongside existing ones like Malaysia, China, and North Asian countries.

S Mahenthiran, Chief Executive of Catering Solutions and Honorary Secretary of the Indian Restaurants Association (Singapore), lauds this decision. He emphasizes its potential to empower Indian restaurants to offer authentic cuisine while preserving their rich culinary heritage.

The updated Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) Occupation List, introduced during the 2022 Budget debate, now includes roles such as welders and specific food processing workers, according to The Straits Times newspaper. Employers are mandated to provide these workers with a minimum fixed monthly wage of SGD 2,000. Additionally, these employees must constitute 8 percent or less of the employer’s total headcount, excluding Employment Pass holders.

Margaret Heng, Executive Director of the Singapore Hotel Association, welcomes the government’s decision, underscoring the impact of workforce shortages on the hospitality industry’s seamless operations. This sector is vital for upholding Singapore’s reputation as a preferred travel destination.

Sim Gim Guan, Executive Director of the Singapore National Employers Federation, stresses the importance of judiciously allowing workers from NTS countries for specific job roles. This strategic step is vital to mitigate employers’ workforce challenges while ensuring Singapore remains an enticing choice for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, and tourism.

As Singapore takes this progressive leap to address workforce shortages, the nation aims to strengthen its industries while embracing the rich cultural contributions of diverse talent.