March 12, 2025
THIMPHU – Bhutanese skilled workers will be eligible to work in Singapore’s manufacturing and service industries starting June 1, according to Singaporean Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, who announced the decision during the ministry’s Committee of Supply debate last week.
The move places Bhutan on Singapore’s list of Non-Traditional Source (NTS) countries, joining Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
This new status broadens opportunities for Bhutanese workers while helping Singapore address labour shortages in critical sectors.
Under Singapore’s updated Work Permit Framework, Bhutanese workers can pursue roles as cooks, food processing staff, welders, metal workers, riggers, hotel housekeepers, and porters, among other positions.
According to the Work Permit Framework, employers must adhere to a sub-Dependency Ratio Ceiling (sub-DRC) of eight percent for NTS workers and offer a fixed monthly salary of at least Singaporean $2,000 (around Nu 127,2890).
The framework also removes the maximum employment duration for Work Permit holders and raises the permissible age limit from 60 to 63 years, allowing older workers to continue employment without restrictions.
Previously, workers from NTS countries faced a 14-year employment cap, while workers from North Asian Sources (NAS) and Malaysia did not.
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.
A small number of Bhutanese professionals already work in Singapore under the S Pass and Employment Pass, holding positions such as registered nurses, doctors, and sales personnel.
Currently, Bhutanese in Singapore can only earn income while studying.
The inclusion of Bhutan in Singapore’s Work Permit category will offer an opportunity for Bhutanese workers to gain international experience, increase their proficiency, and learn new skills in various fields.
Singapore’s robust economy, competitive wages, secure working conditions, and stringent regulations for foreign workers, is also expected to benefit individuals as well as the nation.
By acquiring on-the-job experience in manufacturing and service industries, Bhutanese workers will be able to enhance their skills, acquire new knowledge, and increase their professional competence.
This is likely to lead to improved job opportunities, global exposure, and higher earnings, benefiting both their families and local economies in Bhutan. Additionally, the skills and experience acquired in Singapore will strengthen Bhutan’s human resource pool upon their return.