In a bid to counter workforce shortages within its hotel sector, Singapore has expanded its pool of eligible hires by including Indian cooks, thereby broadening the scope for recruitment in service and manufacturing roles.
Traditionally, the services and manufacturing sectors in Singapore have predominantly drawn work permit holders from countries such as China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Singapore Expands Workforce Pool for Culinary Industry: Indian Cooks Welcomed in New Policy
The Ministry of Manpower has recently introduced the application process for cooks from Indian restaurants in the city-state. Establishments seeking to employ work permit holders from Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) can initiate the application process on the ministry’s official website, starting from September 1.
The NTS countries comprise Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
As a result of this policy change, Indian cooks have now joined the ranks of housekeepers and porters in the list of permitted work permit holders. The ministry has specified that a panel consisting of industry and government representatives with expertise in Indian cuisine will evaluate the applications.
This development not only enables eateries to hire cooks from India but also from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. By expanding the recruitment options to these nations, Singapore aims to enrich its diverse culinary landscape, supplementing the existing sources from Malaysia, China, and North Asian countries.
Empowering Indian Restaurants, Diverse Occupations, and Sustainable Tourism
S Mahenthiran, Chief Executive of Catering Solutions and Honorary Secretary of the Indian Restaurants Association (Singapore), welcomed this decision, stating that it empowers Indian restaurants to serve authentic dishes while upholding the country’s rich Indian heritage.
In addition to Indian restaurant cooks, the updated NTS Occupation List, introduced during the 2022 Budget debate, encompasses occupations such as welders and specific food processing workers, as reported by The Straits Times.
Employers are required to provide these workers with a minimum fixed monthly wage of SGD 2,000. These employees must account for no more than 8 percent of the employer’s total workforce, excluding Employment Pass holders.
Margaret Heng, Executive Director of the Singapore Hotel Association, conveyed gratitude for the government’s decision, underscoring the potential consequences of workforce shortages in the hospitality industry. This sector holds significant importance in shaping Singapore’s image as a favored travel choice.
Sim Gim Guan, Executive Director of the Singapore National Employers Federation, highlighted the careful integration of workers from NTS countries into particular positions as a means to address labor-related difficulties faced by employers. He stressed that this measure is crucial to uphold Singapore’s standing as a hub for events, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, and tourism.
