Hiring Bhutanese to Work in Singapore
Starting 1 June 2025, Singapore employers in the manufacturing and services sectors can hire Work Permit holders from Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos under the Non-Traditional Source (NTS) list, which already includes Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Singapore's typical sources of labour for manufacturing and services are Malaysia and China, as well as Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea and Taiwan.
This change allows employers in specific sectors to hire Work Permit holders from these nations.
Key details include:
Effective Date: The inclusion of Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos in the NTS list takes effect from 1 June 2025.
Eligible Sectors and Occupations: Employers in the manufacturing and services sectors can hire workers from these countries for specific occupations, such as:
- Cooks in Indian restaurants
- Food processing workers
- Sheet metal workers
- Welders and flame cutters
- Metal moulders and coremakers
- Riggers and cable splicers
- Structural metal preparers and erectors
- Housekeepers and porters in licensed hotels
Quota and Salary Requirements: Employers must adhere to a sub-Dependency Ratio Ceiling (sub-DRC) of 8% for NTS workers and offer a fixed monthly salary of at least S$2,000 to these Work Permit holders.
This policy adjustment aims to address manpower shortages in specific sectors by broadening the pool of eligible foreign workers.
Currently, beyond Work Permits, a small number of Bhutanese professionals are also employed in Singapore under the S Pass and Employment Pass, working in roles such as registered nurses, enrolled nurses, doctors, and sales personnel.
Gems Recruit is your go-to trusted agency for hiring Bhutanese workers in Singapore. As a sister company of a leading Bhutan Travel Specialist, Druk Asia, we have extensive connections and deep knowledge of Bhutan's workforce, culture, and regulations. Our strong ties with local authorities and communities enable us to source reliable, skilled, and dedicated Bhutanese talent, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free hiring process for Singapore employers. Whether you're looking for workers in hospitality, manufacturing, or specialised roles, Gems Recruit provides a seamless recruitment experience backed by expertise and trust.
New Work Permit Regulations:
Elimination of Maximum Employment Period: Work Permit holders will no longer be restricted by a maximum employment duration, allowing them to continue working in Singapore without a time limit.
Increase in Maximum Employment Age: The permissible age limit for Work Permit holders will be raised from 60 to 63 years, enabling older workers to remain employed.
Implementation Date: These changes are scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.
Objective of Changes: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) aims to provide employers with greater flexibility in retaining experienced workers, thereby addressing manpower needs across various sectors.
Current Regulations: At present, Work Permit holders from Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) and the People's Republic of China (PRC) face a maximum employment period of 14 years, while those from North Asian Sources (NAS) and Malaysia do not have such restrictions.
Impact on Employers: The removal of employment duration limits and the extension of the maximum age are expected to help employers retain skilled workers, reducing the need for continual recruitment and training of new staff.
Sector-Specific Considerations: These policy adjustments are particularly significant for sectors heavily reliant on manual labour, such as construction and marine shipyard industries, where experienced workers are essential for maintaining productivity and safety standards.