Non-resident hiring surge: what sectors saw the biggest increase?

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Non-resident employment growth primarily driven by construction and manufacturing sectors

Singapore's labour market experienced its 19th consecutive quarter of expansion in the second quarter of 2026, with overall employment reaching 10,700. This growth was predominantly fuelled by an increase in non-resident employment, a trend that contrasted with the slower growth observed in resident employment. The primary sectors contributing to this surge in non-resident hiring were construction and manufacturing.
Non-resident employment leads overall job growth

The overall employment figure for the second quarter of 2026 stood at 10,700, an increase from the 9,400 recorded in the preceding quarter. This marks a sustained period of expansion for Singapore's labour market. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) highlighted that while resident employment continued to grow, its pace was slower compared to the previous quarter, with gains concentrated in essential and public services.
Construction and manufacturing show significant non-resident hiring

The significant rise in non-resident employment was a key characteristic of the second quarter's labour market dynamics. Following a period of slower non-resident employment growth in the first quarter of 2026, this segment became the main driver of overall job creation. Specifically, the construction and manufacturing sectors were identified as experiencing the most substantial increases in non-resident workers.
Unemployment remains low amidst rising retrenchments

Despite the overall expansion, unemployment rates in Singapore remained stable and low, recorded at 2.0 per cent in June 2026. However, retrenchments did see an increase, rising from 3,830 in the first quarter to 4,500 in the second quarter of 2026. This pushed the retrenchment incidence rate from 1.6 to 1.9 per 1,000 employees.

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Non-resident hiring surge: what sectors saw the biggest increase?

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