Non-resident employment drives growth: what sectors benefit most?

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Non-Resident Employment Fueled Singapore's Labour Market Expansion in Q2 2026, Primarily Benefiting Construction and Manufacturing Sectors

Singapore's labour market continued its expansion in the second quarter of 2026, with overall employment growing by 10,700 roles. This marks the 19th consecutive quarter of growth, building on the 9,400 jobs added in the preceding quarter. The primary driver of this expansion was a surge in non-resident employment, a notable shift from the slower growth observed in the first quarter.
Non-Resident Employment as the Key Growth Driver

Following a period of slower non-resident employment growth in the first quarter of 2026, the second quarter saw a significant rebound. This segment of the workforce was chiefly responsible for the overall increase in jobs, indicating a strong reliance on non-resident labour to meet market demands during this period. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) advance data highlights this trend as a defining characteristic of the labour market's performance in 2Q 2026.
Construction and Manufacturing Sectors Reap the Most Benefits

The sectors that experienced the most substantial gains from this rise in non-resident employment were construction and manufacturing. These industries, often requiring a significant labour force for their operations, appear to have benefited directly from the increased availability or hiring of non-resident workers. This suggests that these sectors were key contributors to absorbing the growth in non-resident employment during the quarter.
Resident Employment Growth Continues at a Slower Pace

While non-resident employment was the primary engine of growth, resident employment also saw an increase, albeit at a more moderate rate compared to the previous quarter. This growth in resident employment was mainly concentrated in essential and public services, underscoring the continued demand for local workers in critical public-facing roles. The MOM report indicates a sustained, yet less pronounced, expansion in the resident workforce.

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Non-resident employment drives growth: what sectors benefit most?

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