Oral Answer to PQ on Non-Traditional Sources Occupation List

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1897 OF 2023 FOR THE SITTING ON OR AFTER 10 MAY 2023
QUESTION NO. 4583 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Mr Sharael Taha

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) what are the criteria for occupations to be placed on the Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) Occupation List; and (b) how often will the list be reviewed.

Answer:

The seven occupations on the Non-Traditional Source (NTS) Occupation List were carefully selected in consultation with sector agencies. We evaluated occupations with a significant number of S Pass holders who may be affected by the upcoming changes in the S Pass framework. We also assessed the number of locals in these occupations and local employment outcomes.

2 MOM will work closely with sector agencies to engage the industries and tripartite partners to review the List every three years. We are open to reviewing it more regularly, keeping in mind, above all, the need to uplift our lower-wage workers, and spur industry transformation to become less reliant on lower-skilled foreign workers.