Singapore's hospitality industry, facing workforce shortages, is diversifying its recruitment sources by allowing Indian cooks to be hired. Traditionally, China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan have been the main sources of work permit holders for Singapore's services and manufacturing sectors. However, to address the labor shortage, the Ministry of Manpower has introduced Indian cooks to the list of eligible hires. This decision aims to widen the talent pool and cater to the needs of the hospitality sector.

The move, effective from September 1, allows businesses to apply for work permit holders from Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) countries, including Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Indian cooks will now be evaluated alongside housekeepers and porters by a panel of experts in Indian cuisine.

S Mahenthiran, Chief Executive of Catering Solutions and Honorary Secretary of the Indian Restaurants Association (Singapore), praised this move for its potential to empower Indian restaurants in offering authentic cuisine and preserving cultural heritage.

Margaret Heng, Executive Director of the Singapore Hotel Association, emphasized the impact of workforce shortages on the hospitality sector, which is vital for Singapore's reputation as a preferred travel destination.

This step aligns with Singapore's broader strategy of addressing labor shortages in various sectors and maintaining its appeal as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, and tourism.

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