Question 1

What is an NTS worker?

Accepted Answer

An NTS worker is a Work Permit holder from an approved Non-Traditional Source country hired under the NTS Occupation List. NTS hiring is restricted to approved occupations and is subject to prevailing MOM requirements.

Question 2

What is the NTS Occupation List?

Accepted Answer

The NTS Occupation List is a restricted set of occupations for which eligible Singapore firms may hire Work Permit holders from approved NTS source countries where there are manpower shortages. The list and requirements may be updated by MOM.

Question 3

Which occupations can be hired under the NTS Occupation List?

Accepted Answer

Current occupations include cooks, food processing workers, heavy vehicle drivers, housekeeping workers and porters in licensed hotels, and manufacturing workers such as assemblers, machine operators, welders and others. Additional occupations are planned from 1 September 2026. Eligibility is subject to prevailing MOM requirements.

Question 4

Can my company hire NTS workers?

Accepted Answer

Whether your company can hire NTS workers depends on your sector, work pass account, licences, quota and other prevailing MOM requirements. We cannot guarantee that any employer qualifies. Contact us for an assessment of your manpower requirement.

Question 5

What is the NTS 8% sub-DRC?

Accepted Answer

Employers must keep within the applicable 8% sub-Dependency Ratio Ceiling for NTS Work Permit holders in NTS Occupation List roles. This is subject to prevailing MOM requirements.

Question 6

What is the minimum salary for NTS workers?

Accepted Answer

Workers performing occupations on the NTS Occupation List must be paid a fixed monthly salary of at least S$2,000, subject to prevailing requirements.

Question 7

Can I hire NTS cooks for my restaurant?

Accepted Answer

Cooks are on the NTS Occupation List. The employer must have a Services-sector work pass account and a valid Singapore Food Agency Food Shop licence under the firm's name. Eligibility is subject to prevailing MOM requirements.

Question 8

Can I hire NTS manufacturing workers?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturing workers are on the NTS Occupation List. The employer must have a work pass account under the Manufacturing sector. Eligibility is subject to prevailing MOM requirements.

Question 9

Can I hire NTS heavy vehicle drivers?

Accepted Answer

Heavy vehicle drivers are on the NTS Occupation List. Workers must have a Class 4 or 5 licence as required under the prevailing MOM requirements.

Question 10

What new NTS occupations are being added from 1 September 2026?

Accepted Answer

From 1 September 2026, planned additions include butchers, fishmongers and related food preparers; food/drink stall assistants; kitchen assistants; waiters; cabin attendants; babysitters/infant caregivers; educarers; and teacher aides. These are subject to specific employer and sector requirements set by MOM.

Question 11

Can NALA Employment help source NTS candidates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NALA Employment can source suitable candidates based on your approved manpower requirements, subject to candidate availability. We cannot guarantee candidate availability.

Question 12

Can NALA Employment assist with the Work Permit application?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide support with the applicable Work Permit application process. Approval is not guaranteed and is subject to prevailing MOM requirements.

Question 13

How long does NTS recruitment take?

Accepted Answer

The recruitment timeline depends on employer eligibility, candidate availability, documentation and prevailing MOM processing requirements. We cannot guarantee specific processing times.

NTS Occupation List: Approved Occupations for Singapore Employers

What Is the NTS Occupation List?

Approved NTS Occupations

Manufacturing

Food & Services

Transport

New NTS Occupations from 1 September 2026