MTI expands non-traditional sources occupation list

The ministry will add Laos, Cambodia, and Bhutan to the list.

The Ministry of Manpower will include Laos, Cambodia, and Bhutan in the expanded list of Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) starting 1 June.

Currently, manufacturing and service firms can hire Work Permit holders from Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan.

In addition, the NTS Occupation List also allows firms to hire Work Permit holders from Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand for a restricted set of occupations.

MTI will also include heavy vehicle drivers and cooks.

“As NTS-OL workers must be paid at least $2,000, this will not undermine efforts to uplift locals in these occupations,” the MTI said.

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