Singapore Streamlines Hiring for Construction Workers
In a significant move to enhance the efficiency of the construction sector, Singapore will reduce the hiring process for foreign workers by three months starting in 2027. National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat announced that new work-permit holders from China and Thailand will no longer need to complete competency certification tests in their home countries. This change aims to address industry concerns regarding delays and improve the inflow of skilled labor as construction demand rises.
New Hiring Procedures to Boost Efficiency
Beginning January 2027, the hiring process for construction workers will be expedited from four months to just one month. This change applies initially to workers from China and Thailand, with plans to extend it to other countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar by January 2028. Instead of undergoing tests abroad, workers will be evaluated on their trade knowledge and practical skills once they arrive in Singapore. Employers will be required to reserve testing slots for these workers to obtain a skills evaluation certificate before entering the country.
Minister Chee emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Given the strong construction demand in the coming years, it is important that we find ways to facilitate a smoother and more expedient inflow of skilled new construction workers.” As of December 2025, Singapore had approximately 482,600 work-permit holders in the construction, marine shipyard, and process sectors. This reform is part of broader efforts by a working group formed in February to enhance productivity within the built environment sector.
The working group, chaired by Minister Chee, includes representatives from various government agencies and industry stakeholders. They have identified key areas for improvement, such as enhancing industry practices, addressing skill gaps, and encouraging innovation. Feedback from the industry indicated that the current overseas certification requirement significantly prolongs the hiring process and often results in a mismatch between workers’ skills and job requirements.
Incentives for Training and Certification
To further incentivize firms to train and certify their workers, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Ministry of Manpower will implement higher levy rates for new workers who are not certified within the first six months of obtaining their work permits, starting in January 2028. If workers fail to achieve certification within a year, they will not be eligible for work permit renewal.
From 2027, workers entering Singapore from China and Thailand must possess vocational certifications recognized by the BCA. This change is expected to streamline the certification process, as there will be sufficient vocational training available to meet industry demands. The BCA plans to discontinue tests conducted in the workers’ home countries first, as the local testing will better align with the specific skills needed in the construction industry.
Lee Kay Chai, president of the Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL), noted that the current overseas tests cover only a limited number of construction trades. He highlighted that there are over 30 trades in the industry, and SCAL is collaborating with the BCA to expand the range of trades tested locally. This shift will allow workers to be trained on the job more quickly, ensuring they are better prepared for their roles upon arrival in Singapore.
