Prime Minister Lawrence Wong confirmed the policy during a recent visit to Dili, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Singapore to open key sectors to workers from Timor-Leste
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Singapore is set to open its construction, marine shipyard, and process sectors to workers from Timor-Leste beginning in 2027, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced.
From the second half of next year, Timor-Leste will be designated as an approved non-traditional source country for work permit holders, with selected occupations in the manufacturing and services sectors also becoming available, Channel News Asia reports.
[See more: China and Timor-Leste progress plans for Dili’s new military hospital]
Wong, the first Singaporean prime minister to visit the nation, made the announcement during a joint press conference with Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in Dili.
Workers from Timor-Leste to benefit both economies
Gusmão welcomed the arrangement, emphasising that it provides a dual benefit: it addresses Singapore’s manpower requirements while offering workers from Timor-Leste opportunities to gain training and experience.
He noted that the initiative will provide income for workers from Timor-Leste and their families, with the expectation that those who travel to Singapore will eventually return home to contribute to the domestic economy.
The announcement comes a year after Timor-Leste became a full member of the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN). Singapore continues to be a major investor in the country, with local companies active in fields ranging from renewable energy to wholesale trade.
Diplomatic cooperation has also expanded, with Singapore opening an embassy in Dili in 2024 and appointing its first resident ambassador, Teo Lay Cheng, earlier this year.
