Our Bureau
Singapore
Indian restaurants in Singapore are celebrating a recent government initiative that allows them to hire cooks from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. This policy, introduced by the Ministry of Manpower, addresses ongoing labor shortages in the hospitality sector, particularly during peak festive seasons like Deepavali.
After the new regulations, about 400 Indian restaurants have applied for work permits for foreign chefs, streamlining the process significantly since its launch in September 2023. Gurcharan Singh, president of the Indian Restaurants Association, emphasized the importance of additional staff during busy times, as restaurants often face increased demand for traditional dishes and catering services.
Riverwalk Tandoor, a prominent Indian restaurant, has already benefited from this policy. Managing Director Sharonjeet Kaur noted that hiring foreign chefs has alleviated staffing challenges and allowed the restaurant to expand its service capacity. They could handle over 40 catering orders daily compared to 30 previously, while also experimenting with new fusion dishes.
Similarly, S Mahendran from Gayatri Restaurant remarked on the positive impact of this initiative on culinary innovation and quality within Indian dining establishments. The ability to recruit skilled cooks has led to significant improvements in food offerings and overall service.
While restaurant owners express gratitude for the opportunity to hire additional chefs, many advocate for an increase in the foreign worker quota, currently limited to 8% of a restaurant’s workforce. This change would further help meet the growing demands of the industry.
As Singapore continues to navigate workforce challenges in its hospitality sector, this policy marks a significant step toward enhancing the culinary landscape and ensuring that Indian restaurants can maintain their rich traditional offerings while adapting to modern demands.
