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Questions Raised After PM Wong Announces Plan to Open Selected Jobs to Timorese Workers
- Plan B
- 5 minutes ago
- 1 min read
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's announcement that Singapore will allow Timorese workers to take up selected Work Permit jobs from the second half of 2027 has sparked questions online.
Some Singaporeans are asking which sectors will be affected and how the move could impact local employment.
The announcement came during PM Wong's two-day official visit to Timor-Leste, where he said the country would become an approved Non-Traditional Source (NTS) for Work Permit holders.
The move will allow employers to hire Timorese workers in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors, as well as selected occupations in the manufacturing and services sectors.
PM Wong described the initiative as a "win-win". He said it would equip Timorese workers with skills and work experience while helping Singapore address manpower shortages in industries that rely heavily on Work Permit holders.
The Ministry of Manpower said adding Timor-Leste to Singapore's list of approved Non-Traditional Source countries will give employers access to a broader and more diversified labour pool.
Timorese workers are expected to become eligible to work in the approved sectors from the second half of 2027.
