Written Answer to PQ on Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) Jobs for Locals

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2194 OF 2023 FOR A SITTING ON OR AFTER 19 SEPTEMBER 2023
QUESTION NO. 5130 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Mr Yip Hon Weng

To ask the Minister for Manpower given the recent addition of jobs in the Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) Occupation List (a) what are the measures being taken to build up the pipeline for Singaporeans to take up jobs on the NTS; (b) how will the Ministry ensure that locals in these jobs will not be deprived of job opportunities or attractive salaries; and (c) whether the Ministry will review and roll back on any NTS adjustments when there are sufficient locals taking up these jobs.

Answer:

With our ageing population and more highly educated workforce, the reality is that it is not possible to build up a pipeline of Singaporeans for every occupation. The nine occupations on the Non-Traditional Source (NTS) Occupation List were selected carefully in consultation with sector agencies, taking into account the number of S Pass holders in these occupations who are affected by the increases in S Pass qualifying salary and the degree of manpower shortages. In addition, these occupations see low take-up by locals and are harder to automate.

2. Nonetheless, low take-up does not mean that there are no Singaporeans in these occupations. I share the member's concern that the employment prospects of these Singaporean workers should not be compromised by the introduction of the NTS OL. We have therefore put in place a strict quota with a sub-Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) of 8% and a fixed monthly salary criterion of at least $2,000 to safeguard against over-reliance and cheap-sourcing of NTS workers.

3. The list of occupations will be reviewed every 3 years. We are prepared to amend the list where necessary, if employers are able to hire sufficient locals or manpower demands are less intense due to automation or job redesign. We are working closely with tripartite partners and sector agencies to monitor the impact of the NTS Occupation List.

4. Finally, the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices requires all employers to fairly consider all candidates for a job and adopt fair remuneration policies. Workers who have not been treated fairly can approach the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) for assistance.