Manpower Minister Tan See Leng said to Parliament on Thursday that firms have not changed their hiring preferences between local and foreign workers [1, 2].
This stability comes at a time when businesses face significant cost pressures. If companies shifted away from local hiring to reduce expenses, it could impact the domestic job market and the effectiveness of current workforce policies.
During a parliamentary question session on May 7, 2026, Tan addressed the trends observed during the first quarter of the year [1, 2]. He said that the preference for hiring remains steady despite the economic environment. This suggests that the cost of labor is not the sole driver in how companies structure their teams.
The Ministry of Manpower said this consistency is due to existing workplace policies. According to the ministry, these policies ensure a level playing field for Singaporeans [1, 2]. The government maintains that foreign workers are intended to complement the local workforce, rather than replace it.
By keeping these policies in place, the government aims to prevent a scenario where foreign labor is prioritized over citizens due to cost considerations. The ministry said that foreign workers fill specific gaps that the local workforce cannot currently meet [1, 2].
Tan said that the current framework continues to support the integration of both local and foreign talent. The ministry will continue to monitor these trends to ensure that Singaporeans remain competitive in the evolving job market [1, 2].
“Firms' hiring preferences between local Singaporeans and foreign workers have remained unchanged.”
The government's assertion that hiring preferences are stable indicates a confidence in current regulatory frameworks to protect local employment. By framing foreign labor as complementary rather than competitive, Singapore seeks to maintain economic growth through global talent while mitigating social friction regarding domestic job security.
