How Old to Work at a Hotel?

If you’re considering a career in the hospitality industry and specifically want to work at a hotel, you might be wondering about the age requirements for such employment.

In this article, we will provide you with the necessary information regarding the minimum age to work at a hotel, taking into account the regulations and guidelines set forth by the relevant authorities.

So, let’s dive in and explore how old you have to be to work at a hotel.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Hotel?

The minimum age to work at a hotel is 16 years old. Young persons aged 16 years and above can work at a hotel with the requirement of notifying the Ministry of Manpower and submitting a medical report within 30 days of starting work.

Age Restrictions for Working in Non-Industrial Settings

According to the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore, the eligibility to work at a hotel or any non-industrial setting depends on the individual’s age. Here are the age restrictions for working in non-industrial settings:

• Children aged 13 to less than 15 years: Children within this age group are eligible to work in non-industrial settings, but only for light duties. Working in non-industrial settings with family members is also allowed.
• Young persons aged 15 to less than 16 years: Young persons within this age range can work in both non-industrial and industrial settings. However, employers must notify the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and submit a medical report within 30 days of starting work.

Age Restrictions for Working in Industrial Settings

While there are some possibilities for younger individuals to work in non-industrial settings, the regulations for working in industrial settings are stricter. Here are the age restrictions for working in industrial settings:

• Children aged 13 to less than 15 years: Children within this age group are not allowed to work in industrial settings unless they are working with family members.
• Young persons aged 16+ years: Young persons within this age range are allowed to work in industrial settings, but employers must comply with the notification and medical report requirements as mentioned earlier.

Unsuitable Work for Individuals Under 16

Regardless of the setting, there are certain forms of work that are considered unsuitable for individuals under the age of 16. These include:

• Work conditions that may cause injury.
• Servicing or attending to moving machinery.
• Being near live electrical apparatus that is not effectively insulated.
• Underground work.

Specific Regulations for Manual Labour

If children and young persons are employed as workmen doing manual labor, there are additional regulations that apply:

• They cannot work between 11 pm and 6 am the next day, effectively prohibiting night shifts.
• Working on rest days requires permission from the Commissioner for Labour.
• Specific working hour limits apply:
  1. Children must not work more than 3 hours without a 30-minute break and not more than 6 hours in a day, including time at school.
  2. Young persons must not work more than 4 hours without a 30-minute break and not more than 7 hours in a day, including time at school.

Work Permit Requirements for the Services Sector

If you are a foreign worker seeking employment in the services sector, there are specific requirements you need to meet.

These requirements include factors such as the business activity, worker’s source country or region, quota, and levy. Here is an overview of the key points:

Business activities:

To be considered part of the services sector, a company must be involved in activities such as financial services, insurance, real estate, Infocomm and business services, transportation and storage, retail and wholesale trade, community, social and personal services (excluding domestic workers), hotels, and approved food establishments.

Migrant worker eligibility:

The eligibility criteria for migrant workers include factors such as the worker’s source country or region, age when applying, and the maximum period of employment.

Source countries or regions include Malaysia, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), North Asian sources (Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Taiwan), and Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) for restricted occupations.

Quota and levy:

The number of Work Permit holders that can be hired is subject to a quota and levy. The specific quota and levy rates may vary depending on factors such as the dependency ratio ceiling and the type of sector.

Licensing and Control of Hotels

Hotels are subject to specific licensing and control regulations. In Singapore, the Hotels Act 1954 provides the framework for the licensing and control of hotels and lodging houses.

The act defines a hotel as a building or premises with at least four rooms or cubicles that provide lodging for hire or reward and where domestic service is provided.

It also establishes the Hotels Licensing Board responsible for overseeing the licensing process.

Conclusion

So, the minimum age to work at a hotel depends on several factors, including the type of work (non-industrial or industrial), specific job requirements, and the country’s regulations.

However, there are restrictions and regulations in place to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals under the age of 16.

For foreign workers, specific requirements and eligibility criteria apply, and these may vary depending on factors such as the worker’s source country or region, age, and the sector they wish to work in.

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