DILI: Singapore will be open to companies hiring workers from Timor-Leste in sectors like construction and marine shipyard in 2027.
This move will bring benefits to both sides, said leaders from the two countries on July 3.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in a press conference during his two-day visit to Timor-Leste that the move creates “new opportunities for Timorese while strengthening our business and people-to-people links”.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Timor-Leste will be an approved non-traditional source country for work permit holders with effect from the second half of 2027.
This allows firms in Singapore to hire Timorese workers on work permits in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors, as well as for selected occupations in the manufacturing and services sectors.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, a Manpower Ministry spokesperson said it has observed early interest from firms in Singapore to hire Timorese workers, such as in the construction sector.
This move gives businesses “access to a broader and more diverse labour pool to meet their manpower needs”, she said.
The spokesperson added that similar to many other countries around the world, Singapore carefully regulates the profile of non-citizens wishing to work in the country.
The relevant policy is shaped by its context as a small and densely populated city-state that needs to carefully balance infrastructure, security, social and economic considerations.
The ministry works closely with sector agencies to assess suitability of new sources of foreign workforce, accounting for these considerations, the spokesperson added.
Recent additions to the list of non-traditional source countries include Bhutan, Cambodia and Laos, all of which were included from June 1, 2025.
When asked by The Straits Times about the impact of the move during the press conference, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao said it was a significant development in the relationship between the two countries and a sign of confidence in the Timorese people.
He added that when Timorese people head to Singapore for work, they can gain skills and experience and build their character.
In 2025, remittance from Timorese workers working abroad accounted for more than US$180 million (S$232 million), which is about 10 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product.
“This shows the important contribution our workers overseas make to their families and to our national economy,” he added.
Timor-Leste, which joined Asean in October 2025, has also established labour mobility programmes with Australia, South Korea and New Zealand.
Describing the move as win-win, PM Wong said that apart from providing Timorese workers the opportunity to gain skills and work experience before returning to their country to contribute, it helps to meet the manpower needs of Singapore in selected sectors.
This is not just an economic initiative, he added. With more exchanges and interactions like these, the ties between people and businesses grow stronger.
“We want to encourage more of these exchanges and interactions among our peoples and among our business sector, so that it can facilitate more cooperation down the road,” he said.
Timor-Leste is a young nation with tremendous potential to develop and grow, said PM Wong.
“Singapore will do our part to help Timor-Leste succeed because a strong Timor-Leste contributes to a strong Asean.” - The Straits Times/ANN
