Laos and Singapore have agreed to expand labor cooperation to create new employment opportunities for Lao workers in the Singaporean labor market.
The agreement follows an official visit from November 20th to 26th in Singapore by a joint delegation from the Lao Employment Business Association under the Ministry of Manpower and Social Welfare (MLSW) and the Singapore Association of Employment Agencies.
During the visit, both delegations met with the Lao Ambassador to Singapore to discuss the legal framework for deploying Lao workers under internationally recognized labor standards. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcome and established technical understanding to strengthen future cooperation. The MLSW described the visit as a “new step” in promoting bilateral labor cooperation.
The MLSW emphasized key benefits for Lao workers, including employment contracts of two years or longer and the opportunity to work in Singapore until the age of 63. Employees should prioritize language skills, a positive attitude, diligence, and job-specific technical skills that meet Singapore’s requirements.
As the only high-income economy in ASEAN, Singapore ranks first in the region and fourth globally according to the International Monetary Fund’s 2025 report. Its developed economy, strong legal protections, and reduced risk of exploitation make it an attractive destination for Lao workers seeking stable, long-term employment.