Singapore has expanded its Non-Traditional Source Occupation List (NTS-OL), adding eight new occupations from the Food Services, Social Services and Air Transportation sectors from 1 September 2026. The expansion allows eligible employers to hire Work Permit holders from approved NTS countries, including India, for specific roles.
▪️ NTS OCCUPATION LIST — 8 NEW OCCUPATIONS
From 1 September 2026, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) expanded the NTS Occupation List with eight new occupations covering food services, social services and air transportation.
The newly added roles include:
✓ Butchers, fishmongers and related food preparers
✓ Food/drink stall assistants
✓ Kitchen assistants
✓ Waiters
✓ Cabin attendants
✓ Babysitters / infant caregivers
✓ Child / after-school care centre workers, including educarer roles
✓ Teacher aides
These roles form part of the expanded NTS framework for specific Work Permit positions.
▪️ WHO DOES THIS APPLY TO?
The expansion is relevant to eligible nationals from Singapore’s approved Non-Traditional Source countries, including India, who may be considered for Work Permit positions covered by the NTS Occupation List.
The NTS-OL is a Work Permit pathway for specific occupations. It is separate from Singapore’s Employment Pass and S Pass routes, which have their own eligibility and qualifying salary requirements.
▪️ IMPORTANT EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS
Employers hiring NTS Work Permit holders under the expanded list remain subject to specific controls, including:
✓ 8% NTS sub-Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC)
✓ Minimum fixed monthly salary of S$2,000
✓ Workers must perform only the occupation stated on their Work Permit
✓ Sector-specific employer and licensing requirements
For example, food-service employers must have the applicable Singapore Food Agency (SFA) licence. Employers hiring childcare workers must meet the relevant Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) or ChildMinding Pilot requirements, while cabin-attendant roles require the relevant Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) authorisation.
📌 WHAT SHOULD INDIAN APPLICANTS KNOW?
The September 2026 expansion increases the range of occupations for which eligible Indian nationals may be considered under Singapore’s NTS Work Permit framework.
However, inclusion of an occupation on the NTS-OL does not automatically guarantee a Work Permit. The application remains subject to employer eligibility, occupation-specific conditions, sector requirements, quotas and Singapore MOM rules.
