The new arrangement will allow Singapore firms to employ Timorese Work Permit holders in several sectors from the second half of 2027.
Timor-Leste will be added to Singapore’s work-permit whitelist as a source country for foreign labour, with the policy scheduled to take effect in the second half of 2027. The decision includes opportunities in the construction, marine and process sectors, as well as selected services and manufacturing roles.
The inclusion of Timor-Leste on the whitelist had been a longstanding priority for the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Singapore. H.E. Ambassador Alex Tilman raised the issue with Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower soon after taking up his post, initiating discussions on employment opportunities for Timorese workers.
As the initiative progressed, H.E. Ambassador Tilman and Second Secretary Ferlio Sousa met officials from the Ministry of Manpower, led by Director Jasmine Koh, and representatives from the Building and Construction Authority on 26 June. During the meeting, the Building and Construction Authority reported ongoing industry consultations to assess demand for Timorese workers ahead of the policy’s implementation.
Source: Embassy of Timor-Leste in Singapore
