Singapore has expanded its Work Permit scheme to allow employers to recruit foreign workers, including Sri Lankans, for eight additional occupations across the food services, social services and aviation sectors.

The new regulations are aimed at addressing labour shortages in industries where employers face difficulties recruiting local workers.

According to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the expansion covers eight occupations under the Non-Traditional Sources Occupation List (NTS-OL).

The newly eligible occupations include butchers, fishmongers and related food preparers, food and drink stall assistants, kitchen assistants, waiters, cabin attendants, babysitters and infant caregivers, educarers, and teacher aides.

Sri Lanka is among nine countries whose nationals are eligible to be recruited under the scheme, alongside Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand.

Under the regulations, employers hiring foreign workers through the NTS Occupation List must offer a fixed monthly salary of at least S$2,000.

Employers must also ensure that workers recruited under the scheme do not exceed 8% of their total workforce.

The expanded scheme provides additional employment opportunities for Sri Lankans seeking jobs in Singapore, particularly in the hospitality, food services, childcare and aviation industries.

However, the new rules do not guarantee employment or automatic Work Permit approval. Singapore-based employers must meet the relevant eligibility requirements and obtain the necessary permits.

The Ministry of Manpower said the expansion was introduced to help businesses recruit workers for occupations where attracting sufficient local employees remains challenging.

The policy was initially announced in March 2026 before taking effect in September