Bhutanese Citizens to Gain Work Opportunities in Singapore Soon
Starting from 1 June 2025, Singapore employers in the manufacturing and services sectors will be able to hire Work Permit holders from Bhutan. This new eligibility will help address manpower shortages by expanding the talent pool and providing businesses with greater access to skilled and reliable Bhutanese workers.
In a significant development, Bhutanese workers will soon have the opportunity to work in Singapore’s manufacturing and services sectors. Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower has announced that Bhutan, along with Cambodia and Laos, will be added to the list of Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) for foreign labour.
A New Opportunity for Bhutanese Workers
Previously, the NTS list included workers from Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. With Bhutan’s inclusion, Bhutanese workers will now be eligible for employment in Singapore’s key industries, expanding their access to overseas job markets. This move is expected to create new economic opportunities for Bhutanese individuals seeking employment abroad while addressing Singapore’s labour needs.
Jobs Available for Bhutanese Workers in Singapore
Under the new Work Permit Framework, employers in Singapore can hire Bhutanese workers for roles such as cooks, food processing workers, sheet metal workers, welders and flame cutters, metal moulders and coremakers, riggers and cable splicers, structural metal preparers and erectors, as well as housekeepers and porters in licensed hotels.
Beyond Work Permits, a small number of Bhutanese professionals are also employed in Singapore under the S Pass and Employment Pass, working in roles such as registered nurses, enrolled nurses, doctors, and sales personnels.
Why Singapore?
Singapore has long relied on foreign workers to support its economy, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and services, which require a steady workforce. Traditionally, Singapore’s primary sources of labour have been Malaysia and China, along with workers from Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan. However, to diversify its labour sources, the government has been expanding the NTS list to include more countries.
For Bhutanese workers, Singapore offers a stable economy, competitive wages, and a safe working environment. Additionally, Singapore’s strong regulatory framework ensures fair treatment of foreign workers, making it an attractive destination for employment.
Impact on Bhutan’s Workforce and Economy
This development is expected to benefit both Bhutan and Singapore. Bhutanese workers in Singapore will gain access to better job prospects, international work experience, and higher earnings, which can contribute to their families and local economies back home. Additionally, the skills and knowledge acquired in Singapore can help enhance Bhutan’s workforce when these workers return.
The inclusion of Bhutan in Singapore’s Work Permit eligibility presents a valuable opportunity for Bhutanese workers to gain international exposure, enhance their skills, and develop expertise in diverse industries. Through hands-on experience in sectors such as manufacturing and services, Bhutanese workers can upskill themselves, acquire new knowledge, and strengthen their professional capabilities. These opportunities will not only benefit them individually but also equip them with valuable insights and competencies that they can bring back to Bhutan. When they are ready, their enhanced skills and global experience can contribute significantly to the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City, aligning with Bhutan’s vision of creating a sustainable and innovative economic hub driven by well-rounded, skilled professionals.
For Singapore, this move helps to meet labour demands in sectors where manpower shortages persist. By broadening its labour pool, the country can maintain its economic competitiveness and continue driving growth in industries that rely on a foreign workforce.
Bhutanese Manpower for Singapore
"Opening a pathway for Bhutanese to join the Singaporean workforce presents significant opportunities for Bhutan’s economy. Bhutanese citizens, educated in English since primary school as early as 1964, are well-positioned to adapt and thrive in Singapore’s professional environment," said Joni Herison, Managing Director of Gems Recruit.
"As more youth recognise the potential for better job prospects abroad, they may be encouraged to first gain experience in Bhutan’s hospitality sector, paving the way for future employment in Singapore. This not only strengthens the local industry but also prepares a skilled workforce for international opportunities.
With the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City largely drawing inspiration from Singapore’s development model, Bhutanese workers returning with Singaporean experience will bring valuable insights and expertise to support the growth of this new economic hub," he added.
Gems Recruit is also exploring additional sectors where Bhutanese talent can contribute meaningfully. By collaborating with recognised training and educational institutions in Singapore, they aim to introduce relevant training programmes and skilled instructors to Bhutan—further enhancing the nation’s human capital and readiness for global opportunities.
For more information, check out the Comprehensive FAQs for Bhutanese Seeking Employment in Singapore.
When Can Bhutanese Work in Singapore on Work Permit?
The inclusion of Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos in the NTS list takes effect from 1 June 2025.
Singapore and Bhutan Bilateral Relationship
Singapore and Bhutan share a warm and growing bilateral relationship built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared values of sustainability and development. Although diplomatic ties were formally established only in 2002, both nations have engaged in various collaborations over the years, particularly in areas such as education, governance, and urban planning. Bhutan has drawn inspiration from Singapore’s development model, particularly in building efficient public services and sustainable urban infrastructure. Singapore, in turn, has supported Bhutan through knowledge exchange programmes and capacity-building initiatives.
With Bhutan’s inclusion in Singapore’s Work Permit eligibility, this relationship is set to deepen further, fostering greater economic and cultural exchanges while creating new opportunities for Bhutanese workers and businesses.
April last year, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar visited Singapore to share about the Gelephu Mindfulness City vision.
