\n<\/p>\n
According to MOM data, there were about 17,000 NTS work permit holders as of June this year. That makes up less than 2 per cent of Singapore\u2019s total work permit population of about 1.18 million.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Companies typically turn to NTS hiring when they struggle to fill specific roles locally, particularly those involving shift work or physically demanding duties, Mr Wee said.<\/p>\n
However, most employers still prioritise hiring locals and permanent residents, he added, with NTS serving as a supplementary workforce.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s (been) an increase in interest over the past one to two years after the announcement of NTS occupation list \u2026\u00a0 (but) the interest has been measured and cautious, rather than a sudden surge,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Employers also tend to take time to familiarise themselves with workers\u2019 skill sets, language abilities and cultural backgrounds, particularly those from newly added source countries, Mr Wee noted.<\/p>\n
Hiring under the NTS scheme is subject to strict conditions.<\/p>\n
For example, NTS work permit holders are capped at 8 per cent of a company\u2019s total workforce.<\/p>\n
Employers must also pay a fixed minimum salary of S$2,000 (US$1,560). This is to safeguard local wages and ensure that higher-skilled or more experienced workers are considered, MOM previously said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the salary range of S$2,000, maybe for the hotel industry, they might (even) be able to hire local staff,\u201d Mr Wee added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n