The Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) Work Permit allows employers in Singapore’s Manufacturing and Services sectors to hire foreign workers from approved NTS countries for a limited range of occupations. 

This initiative complements the existing Work Permit framework, which already allows firms to hire workers from Malaysia, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and North Asian sources including Hong Kong (HKSAR passport holders), Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan.

The NTS arrangement expands this list by permitting firms to employ workers from additional countries under a restricted set of occupations. It aims to balance manpower flexibility with Singapore’s commitment to fair employment and skills development.

Eligible Source Countries

Firms may hire NTS Work Permit holders from the following countries and regions:

• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Cambodia
• India
• Laos
• Myanmar
• Philippines
• Sri Lanka
• Thailand

These countries are approved under the NTS Occupation List (NTS OL), which specifies both the eligible occupations and conditions employers must meet.

Requirements for Hiring

To hire workers under the NTS OL, companies must meet all MOM’s stipulated conditions:

Quota

Firms may employ NTS Work Permit holders of up to 8 percent of their total workforce, provided they remain within the overall Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) for their sector. This is 60 percent for Manufacturing and 35 percent for Services.

Minimum Salary

Each NTS OL Work Permit holder must receive a fixed monthly salary of at least $2,000.

Occupation Restriction

NTS Work Permit holders must only perform the occupation listed in their permit.

Sector Classification

The company must hold the relevant business classification and licences for the specific occupation applied for.

NTS Occupation List

The NTS Occupation List strengthens Singapore’s manpower system by providing structured access to workers from a wider range of countries for specific, high-demand roles. It helps maintain quality standards in essential services and manufacturing processes while safeguarding local participation in the workforce.

Services Sector Occupations

1. Cooks

Cooks prepare, season, and cook food in restaurants, cafés, and catering establishments. They handle food preparation, ensure quality standards, and maintain kitchen hygiene.

• The company must operate in the Services sector.
• A valid Singapore Food Agency (SFA) Food Shop licence must be held under the company’s name.

2. Food Processing Workers

These workers operate machinery and equipment to process, pack, and preserve meat, seafood, and other food products. They work in controlled environments to maintain hygiene and production standards. 

• The company must hold a valid SFA Food Processing Establishment licence or Slaughterhouse licence issued under its name.
• This occupation excludes supervisory and higher-skilled roles such as food processing supervisors and general foremen, as well as other food and beverage jobs like tasters, graders, bakers, pastry-cooks, and confectionery makers.

3. Heavy Vehicle Drivers

Heavy vehicle drivers operate large commercial vehicles such as trailers and lorries to transport goods and materials safely. They ensure timely delivery and compliance with road safety regulations.

• Workers must hold a Class 4 or 5 driving licence issued on or before 1 September 2025.
• The worker should not be driving vehicles classified under Class 3, such as cars or light goods vehicles.

4. Housekeeping Workers and Porters

These roles involve maintaining cleanliness and assisting guests in licensed hotels. Housekeeping staff clean rooms and public areas, while porters handle guest luggage and support front-of-house operations.

• Workers must be employed in licensed hotels.

Manufacturing Sector Occupations

1. Assemblers

Assemblers fit and install parts, components, or sub-assemblies to produce finished goods. They follow engineering drawings and quality standards in production facilities.

2. Machine Operators

Machine operators run and maintain industrial machinery used for fabrication, moulding, or processing materials. They monitor performance and ensure production efficiency.

3. Metal Moulders and Coremakers

These workers prepare and form metal moulds or cores used in casting processes. They shape materials, check measurements, and maintain tools for metal component production.

4. Quality Checkers and Testers

Quality checkers and testers inspect manufactured items for defects or inconsistencies. They record data, operate testing equipment, and ensure adherence to specifications.

5. Riggers and Cable Splicers

Riggers assemble and secure lifting gear used to move heavy loads in workshops or construction yards. Cable splicers connect and maintain electrical or communication cables used in manufacturing systems.

6. Sheet Metal Workers

These workers cut, bend, and assemble sheet metal parts to create components for machinery or structures. They read blueprints and use fabrication tools safely and accurately.

7. Structural Metal Preparers and Erectors

Structural metal preparers measure, cut, and assemble steel frameworks, while erectors install and secure them on-site. Their work supports large-scale manufacturing and engineering projects.

8. Welders and Flame Cutters

Welders join metal parts using various welding techniques. Flame cutters use heat to cut or shape metal components in preparation for fabrication.

Levy Obligations

Employers must pay a monthly levy for every NTS Work Permit holder. The levy rate depends on the worker’s skill level and the sector in which the firm operates. To qualify for the higher-skilled worker levy rate, the employer must meet MOM’s skill and training criteria.

Salary and Retention of Skilled Workers

The NTS OL was created to help firms retain experienced non-PMET (standing for professional, managerial, executive and technical) workers affected by S Pass qualifying salary adjustments. This arrangement allows employers to continue engaging competent staff while adhering to fair wage and quota frameworks.

Licence Verification and Applications

Employers do not need to separately update MOM about their SFA licence status, as verification is carried out directly with the agency.

If a newly issued or renewed licence is not yet reflected in MOM’s records, employers can upload it for verification through the government form.

Applications for new Work Permits or occupation changes must be submitted via WP Online.

Compliance and Review

Firms must comply with MOM’s quota, levy, and occupational rules at all times. MOM reviews the NTS Occupation List periodically to ensure that it continues to meet Singapore’s manpower needs while supporting fair employment opportunities.

Get Professional Support

Employers seeking assistance with NTS Work Permit or foreign worker applications can contact Nala Employment for professional guidance.

Our consultants provide complete support for work pass applications, quota management, and MOM compliance, ensuring a smooth and reliable hiring process for your organisation.

You can contact us here.