Hawkers in Singapore Welcome Eased Hiring Restrictions for LTVP Holders

In recent developments, hawkers in Singapore have expressed their approval of the government's decision to ease hiring restrictions for long-term visit pass (LTVP) holders. This change, set to take effect on January 1, aims to address the ongoing manpower challenges faced by hawkers, who have struggled to find local workers willing to take on the demanding roles in hawker centres.

Currently, the National Environment Agency (NEA) permits only Singapore citizens and permanent residents to work as stallholders or stall assistants in hawker centres. However, the new policy will allow stallholders to hire LTVP holders who have been approved to work in Singapore, thereby expanding the pool of potential employees. This is a significant shift, as many hawkers have reported difficulties in hiring local workers due to the physically demanding nature of the job and the often harsh working conditions.

Ms. Elayne Ang, who runs a chicken rice stall at Marine Parade Central Market and Food Centre, shared her hopes of hiring an LTVP worker next year. She stated, "I need to hire one more so that it’s easier to manage when one of the full-timers goes on leave." Ms. Ang highlighted the challenges she faced in finding local workers, noting that many Singaporeans and permanent residents are reluctant to take on such strenuous jobs. She remarked, "It’s not easy to hire full-time Singaporean or PR workers because it’s a back-breaking job and the environment can be harsh, so there’s definitely a stigma with working in hawker centres."

Similarly, Mr. Richard Toh, who operates a stall at Newton Food Centre, has struggled to find additional help for his team of three full-time workers. He pointed out that younger and middle-aged Singaporeans often shy away from long hours in tough conditions. "When the government starts allowing us to hire LTVP next year, hopefully it will be easier to find someone," he said, expressing his need for more assistance as he ages.

Mr. Jimmy Teo, who runs a bak chor mee stall at Commonwealth Crescent Market, echoed these sentiments. He noted that while LTVP holders had previously approached him for work, he had to turn them away due to strict employment laws. "They would come to ask for work, but it wasn’t very common because these people know that they cannot get employment and that the government is very strict about illegal employment," he explained. With a high turnover rate among his staff, Mr. Teo is optimistic that the new policy will help him find reliable workers.

The easing of hiring restrictions for LTVP holders is a welcome change for hawkers who have long faced staffing challenges. As the food and beverage industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for policies to adapt to the needs of the workforce. This new opportunity not only benefits the hawkers but also provides LTVP holders with a chance to contribute to the vibrant hawker culture in Singapore. Ultimately, this change could lead to a more sustainable and thriving food scene, benefiting both workers and customers alike.