In a strategic move aimed at alleviating the workforce deficit plaguing its hospitality sector, Singapore has revised its recruitment regulations, now permitting the employment of cooks from India. This expansion of the hiring pool aims to tackle the dearth of skilled professionals in certain job positions within the services and manufacturing sectors. While traditionally, the country has drawn work permit holders mainly from regions such as China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan, the Ministry of Manpower’s recent decision extends the scope to include Indian cooks.
As of September 1, restaurants in the city-state seeking to employ Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) work permit holders, particularly Indian cooks, can initiate the application process via the ministry’s website. Notably, NTS countries comprise Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Cooks from India have now joined the ranks of permissible hires for work permit holders, alongside housekeepers and porters. The Ministry of Manpower has outlined a meticulous evaluation process for these applications, with industry and government experts specializing in Indian cuisine participating in the assessment.
By embracing international talent and diversifying its workforce, Singapore aims to bolster its economic sectors, enhance its cultural richness, and secure its status as a global hub for business and tourism.
This policy modification not only allows eateries to recruit cooks from India but also extends the opportunity to candidates from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Singapore envisions enhancing its diverse culinary landscape by integrating cuisines from these nations, supplementing existing recruitment sources 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, noting its potential to empower Indian restaurants to serve authentic cuisine while preserving the rich Indian heritage.
Beyond Indian restaurants, the updated NTS Occupation List, introduced during the 2022 Budget debate, includes professions like welders and specific food processing workers. To qualify, employers must provide these workers with a minimum monthly fixed-wage of SGD 2,000. Additionally, these employees should constitute no more than 8 percent of the employer’s total headcount, excluding Employment Pass holders.
The hospitality industry, crucial to Singapore’s reputation as a premier travel destination, has been grappling with a manpower shortage that threatens its operations. Margaret Heng, Executive Director of the Singapore Hotel Association, expresses her support for the government’s decision, emphasizing the impact of this policy on the hospitality sector’s sustenance.
Sim Gim Guan, Executive Director of the Singapore National Employers Federation, views this step as a measured approach that will alleviate employers’ manpower challenges while maintaining the nation’s attractiveness for various events and tourists.