A work permit is required for foreign workers to work in Singapore. Renewing an existing work permit on time upon receiving the work permit renewal notice keeps you and your employees in compliance with local laws. This can be daunting but with the right guidance, it’s easy and hassle-free.
Before you renew a work permit, you need to know the eligibility criteria and gather the necessary documents. Knowing the fees and processing time will save you from surprise delays. Knowing the steps to renew the permit will help you navigate the process smoothly.
Once done, follow up to ensure all is correct. This will avoid future legal issues. By being proactive you can ensure your workers can continue to work without disruptions.
Key Takeaways
Renewing a work permit is mandatory.
Know the eligibility and gather the necessary documents.
Follow up after renewal to avoid issues.
Eligibility and Requirements for Renewal
Renewing a work permit involves several key steps including ensuring a valid passport and work permit, meeting employment eligibility criteria, and preparing the required documents.
Valid Passport and Work Permit
Before you start the renewal process, ensure the worker’s passport is valid. The passport must have enough validity to cover the new employment period. A valid work permit is also required for renewal. Without these 2, renewal cannot proceed.
Employers should check the expiry date and ensure both passport and work permit is up-to-date. If necessary, you may need to help your worker to renew their passport before starting the work permit renewal process.
Employment Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for work permit renewal, workers must meet the criteria set by MOM. This includes compliance to employment laws and regulations. The worker must not have any pending legal issues or violations.
The employer must also meet the quota and have the necessary medical insurance and security bond for the worker. Ask your bank or insurance company to send you the new security bond details before you renew the permit. This will take up to 3 working days. This will ensure both the worker and employer are compliant and eligible for renewal.
Required Documents for Renewal
You will need to prepare the following documents for the renewal. Main documents are worker’s valid passport, current work permit and security bond form.
Other documents required are worker’s NRIC (if applicable) or any other legal document to prove identity. You should also have a renewal letter from MOM if required and proof of medical insurance.
Ensure all personal details are correct and up-to-date for smooth renewal. Have these ready in advance to avoid delays.
Employers must stay updated with the latest rules and requirements to avoid issues during renewal. Keeping records organized and up-to-date is key to a successful renewal.
Renewal Application Process
When renewing a work permit, you need to follow the steps below. This guide will help you apply online, pay fees and submit your application.
Online Application via WP Online
To renew a work permit online, you need to use the Work Permit (WP) Online system. First, register the worker’s residential address and mobile number using the Online Foreign Workers Address Service (OFWAS). Do this at least 1 hour before you start the renewal process.
Login to WP Online using your company account. Fill in the required fields and upload the necessary documents. The system will guide you through the process. Apply early, preferably 7 to 12 weeks before the permit expires to avoid delays.
Payment
Once you have submitted the renewal application in WP Online, you need to pay the fees. Payment options are MasterCard, Giro, Direct Debit and others.
Make sure your payment method is set up in advance to avoid delays. If you’re using GIRO or direct debit, ensure your account is linked. Paying promptly will allow the renewal application to proceed without interruption. Keep a record of payment confirmation in case of issues
Submit Renewal Application
After payment, the last step is to submit the renewal application. Check all information and uploaded documents twice as any mistake will cause delays.
Submit your application through WP Online. You will receive a submission confirmation. Processing time is usually immediate but do check back for any updates or additional request.
By following these steps, you’ll have a smooth renewal for your worker’s work permit.
After Submission
After submitting a work permit renewal, several steps will follow. This includes approval and notification, issuance of work permit card and understanding the duration and validity period.
Approval and Notification
After submitting your work permit renewal, your application will enter the processing stage. MOM will review your application and check if all requirements are met.
If approved, you will receive an email notification. The notification will confirm the approval and the next steps. It may also include conditions that need to be fulfilled before the card can be issued.
If there’s an issue with the application, you might receive a request for more information. Make sure all details are correct to avoid delays.
Issuance of Work Permit Card
After you receive the renewal notice, you need to proceed with the issuance of the new work permit card. The notification letter will guide you on how to do this.
Your new work permit card will replace the existing one. MOM will handle the secure card delivery service and the card will be sent to the correct address. Follow the instructions on how to access your card carefully as missing a step will affect your worker’s ability to continue work.
Once you receive the card, check that all details are correct and follow MOM’s instructions for any additional verification or activation steps.
Duration and Validity Period
The duration of your renewed work permit will be stated in the approval notice from MOM. Work permits in Singapore are usually valid for 2 years subject to renewal conditions and sectoral quotas.
Knowing the validity period is important. The validity period allows your foreign worker to continue work without interruption. Note the expiration date on the new card for future renewal.
Renew early and check your worker’s eligibility to avoid lapse of valid documents. Keeping track of these will help you stay compliant and operations will run smoothly in your organization.
Legal and Compliance
When renewing a work permit, you must comply with the legal requirements to avoid penalties and your employees to remain authorized to work. This includes issues like overstaying penalties, continuous medical insurance and Employment Act and other laws.
Overstaying and Levy Penalties
Overstaying beyond the allowed time will result to heavy fines from MOM. If an employer fails to renew a work permit on time, the foreign worker will face overstaying fines.
Any overstaying period is serious. Unpaid employment of foreign workers without proper authorization will attract levy penalties. Employers must renew work permits well before expiration to avoid these issues and stay within the legal requirements.
Ensuring Continuous Medical Insurance
Employers are required by law to provide medical insurance for their foreign workers. The insurance coverage must be continuous to comply with MOM regulations. This means employers must renew policies without any gap.
Medical insurance not only covers the worker’s health needs but also the employer’s medical expenses. Continuous coverage allows workers to access medical care when needed and maintain their health and productivity. Renewing medical insurance policies on time is a key compliance area.
Adherence to Employment Act and Laws
Compliance to Employment Act and other related laws is important. Employment Act outlines the basic rights and protections for workers in Singapore. This includes proper wages, working conditions and other employment standards.
Employers must also comply with CPF requirements although foreign workers have different CPF contributions. Following all MOM regulations will avoid legal issues. Stay updated with changes in employment laws as non-compliance will result to legal implications and damage to your company’s reputation.
Additional Information for Specific Groups
Renewing a work permit has different procedures for different foreign worker groups in Singapore. Each group has its own requirements and steps to complete the renewal process.
Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Procedures
For renewing a work permit for a migrant domestic worker (MDW), you need specific documents and follow the procedures. Before you start, check your quota using the FDW eService. You also need to extend the worker’s security bond and medical insurance.
To renew, log in to MOM portal to submit the application. Be prepared to pay a processing fee of $35 which can be paid using VISA, MasterCard or direct debit. Processing is immediate once you’ve uploaded all required documents.
Construction Work Permit Holders
For construction work permit holders, the renewal process has extra steps due to safety and housing requirements. First, check your quota for foreign workers is within the allowed limit. Extend your worker’s security bond and medical insurance as part of the renewal process.
Use MOM portal to submit your application online. Also, ensure the worker’s dormitories meet MOM’s housing standards. A check on the necessary safety certifications for the worker is also required. Failure to meet these requirements will delay or prevent the renewal of the permit.
Malaysian and Other Regional Workers
Malaysian workers have slightly different renewal procedures due to bilateral agreements. Check the requirements on MOM website. Like other workers, extend their medical insurance and security bond before renewal.
Submit your application through MOM eService portal. If your Malaysian worker is waiting for new passport or you want to cancel but need them to work longer, you can request for short extension of up to 1 month. For other regional workers, check with their respective embassies for additional requirements and assistance. Following these steps will avoid issues like overstaying which can result to penalties.
Summary
Renewing a Work Permit has several steps to follow. First, make sure you can renew online 7 to 12 weeks before it expires to avoid last minute rush.
Check if the worker has completed all required vaccinations since February 2022. Also, check if the worker has extended medical insurance and security bonds.
Key Steps:
Check your quota.
Check work permit expiry date
Extend worker’s security bond.
Verify medical insurance.
Full COVID-19 vaccination.
If your worker is on Stay-Home Notice or Home Recovery Programme, you can request for extra time to complete the renewal process. This will give you some buffer in case of unexpected circumstances.
For construction sector workers, priority is given to existing employers. Renew early to avoid losing your foreign employees.
In case of mistake cancellation, the permit can be reinstated if the worker is in Singapore and the permit has not expired. Act fast and follow the reinstatement process which includes submitting the request and pay the transaction fee.
Remember:
Renew on time.
Stay updated.
Act fast.
Follow these steps to have a seamless Work Permit renewal process. Planning and compliance is key to managing your workforce. Alternatively, you can outsource the entire process to employment agencies like P Connect Services to handle this matter for you at an affordable rate.
FAQs
Renewing a work permit involves several steps. You need to know how to do it for a domestic helper, find the right application form and check your application status.
How to renew domestic helper’s work permit through MOM?
To renew work permit for a domestic helper, log in and submit application online. You need to upload the required documents as per the renewal letter. The renewal fee is $35, payable by VISA, MasterCard or direct debit.
For more info, visit MOM’s Renew a Work Permit for a migrant domestic worker.
Where can I get the work permit renewal application form?
You can get the work permit renewal application form from Ministry of Manpower’s website. Go to Renew a Work Permit page to access the online form and follow the steps.
How to check my work permit renewal application status in Singapore?
To check your work permit renewal application status, log in to Ministry of Manpower’s online portal. Look for the section where you can view your application status. This is the fastest way to see if your renewal is processed or needs further action.
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