Work Permit Application
WHAT IS A WORK PERMIT?
Work Permit (WP) allows unskilled or semi-skilled migrant workers from approved source countries to work in certain sectors in Singapore. A Work Permit may be granted to migrant workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector, migrant domestic worker, confinement nanny and performing artiste.
The WP duration is generally 2 years subject to the validity of the worker’s passport, the security bond and the worker’s employment period, whichever is shorter.
Work Permit requirements may vary by sector. WP requirements, including medical insurance, security bond, quota and levy must be met when applying and renewing WP. The worker is only allowed to work for the employer and in the specified occupation.
We are a licensed MOM employment agency that offers complete services for application and renewal of Work Permit.
General Work Permit Conditions and Requirements
Both employers and Work Permit holders must comply with the conditions of Work Permits during the worker’s employment.
Employer’s requirements
- Only employ workers with a valid Work Permit.
- Pay workers their fixed monthly salaries declared to MOM.
- Pay workers their salaries and the cost of their upkeep and maintenance, including the cost of medical treatment.
- Ensure workers have proper housing.
- Buy and maintain medical insurance for each worker to cover in-patient care and surgery costs.
- From 1 April 2022, buy and maintain Primary Care Plan for each worker to cover out-patient primary care costs.
- Send workers for a medical examination by a Singapore-registered doctor. If they are certified medically unfit, their Work Permits will be revoked.
- Pay the monthly foreign worker levy for each worker.
- Buy a security bond for each non-Malaysian worker.
- Not demand or receive any sum or other benefit from an employment agency or any other person in connection with the employment or change in employment of a worker.
Work Permit holder’s requirements
- Work only in the occupation and for the employer specified in their Work Permit card.
- Not take part in any other business or start their own business.
- Reside only at the address set by the employer at the start of employment. They must inform their employers if they plan to move to another place.
- Carry their Work Permit card at all times and produce it when requested by any public officer.
- Not marry a Singapore citizen or permanent resident in or outside Singapore without MOM's approval. This applies even after their Work Permits have expired, been canceled or revoked.
- Not get pregnant or deliver a child in Singapore during the validity of their Work Permit unless they are already married to a Singapore citizen or permanent resident with MOM's approval. This applies even after their Work Permits have expired, been canceled or revoked.
When the employment of WP ends
If the employment is completed or terminated, or if the worker resigns, the employer must:
- Cancel the Work Permit within 1 week after the worker's last day of notice.
- Bear the cost of repatriation, including buying an air ticket with check-in luggage allowance.
- Settle all outstanding employment issues, including salary payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a security bond and why it is needed when applying Work Permit for migrant worker?
A security bond is a binding pledge to pay the government if either you or your worker breaks the law, Work Permit conditions or security bond conditions. The bond is in the form of a banker’s or insurer’s guarantee.
2. How much is the security bond? Can I ask the worker to pay for the bond?
Employers must buy a $5,000 security bond for each non-Malaysian Work Permit holder they employ. Employer cannot ask their worker to pay for the bond.
Our Work Permit Application and Renewal Services include:
- Pre-application information and advice about Work Permit
- Online filing of Work Permit application
- Tracking Work Permit application status while under processing
- Responding to MOM’s requests for additional information as necessary
- Arranging for issuance of Work Permit card upon in-principle approval (IPA)
- Filing of appeal in case of initial rejection of Work Permit application
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