Singapore’s work permit system for migrant workers is crucial to our workforce needs.
2025 Work Permit regulations require employers to meet eligibility requirements, practice fair employment, and ensure worker protection through CPF contributions and injury compensation.
Platform Workers Act takes effect January 1, 2025 and changes how you manage foreign workers.
These updates focus on improved housing standards, retirement benefits and workplace safety for migrant workers in eligible sectors such as construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard and service sectors.
As an employer, you need to secure valid work permits and follow quota requirements for foreign workers while adhering to dependency ratio ceiling rules. Understanding your role helps you stay compliant and create a good work environment for your migrant workers.
Key Points
2025 work permits require enhanced worker protection including CPF contributions and injury compensation.
Employers must follow specific quotas and business activity requirements when hiring foreign workers.
Valid work permits must be secured before migrant workers can start work in Singapore.
Singapore’s work permit system has evolved to meet changing economic needs while protecting local and foreign workers. The new rules are about fair employment and better working conditions.
New rules in 2025 include enhanced protection for semi-skilled migrant workers and mandatory CPF contributions. These changes affect housing allowances and injury compensation.
Ministry of Manpower has raised salary thresholds including minimum qualifying salary and strengthened regulations for employers. You must now provide better housing and maintain medical insurance for your workers.
COMPASS framework helps to assess foreign worker applications based on qualifications and industry needs. Your company must have a good track record of fair hiring practices.
Work permits for migrant workers are categorized into industry sectors:
Each sector has its own quota limits and monthly levy rates. Your workers cannot switch jobs without approval. The validity period of permit varies by industry and worker qualification.
You must ensure your foreign workers meet these basic requirements:
From approved sources
Meet minimum age requirements
Pass medical examination
Hold valid qualifications for their specified occupation## Eligibility Criteria for Migrant Workers
Work permits in Singapore require specific qualifications and standards for migrant workers. Your workers must meet these requirements before you can hire them.
Your migrant workers must have the right educational background for their sector.
Construction workers need to have at least a Building Construction Supervisors Safety Course certificate.
Manufacturing workers need to have relevant technical certificates from approved training centers.
Service sector workers need to have at least a secondary school education.
Your potential workers must have relevant work experience in their field.
Most sectors require at least 2 years of documented work experience.
First-time workers need to complete basic safety orientation course before starting work.
Construction and marine sector workers need specific skill certifications from their home countries.
Workers must demonstrate basic English or Mandarin communication skills for workplace safety and efficiency.
Service sector workers need stronger English language skills due to customer interaction requirements.
Verify that workers can understand basic safety instructions and workplace communication in English.
Consider arranging a basic language course if needed as good communication is important for workplace safety and productivity.
Sponsoring migrant workers in Singapore requires strict adherence to specific duties and commitments. Foreign Manpower Act outlines your key responsibilities as an employer.
You must secure and maintain valid work permits for all migrant workers before they start work. This includes obtaining in-principle approval (IPA) for new hires.
Workers must attend the Settling-in Programme (SIP) when required by regulations. You cannot ask workers to surrender their worker’s passports or work permit cards.
You must pay a monthly foreign worker levy for each worker according to their work permit category.
Provide medical insurance coverage with a minimum of $15,000 per year for each worker and ensure insurance details are updated and compliant.
You are responsible for:
Pay workers their agreed wages on time
Accommodation costs
Medical treatment expenses
Ensure compliance with security bond conditions to cover repatriation costs if employment ends
Work injury compensation insurance
Employers must house workers in premises that comply with the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act. Inspections are conducted regularly to ensure good living conditions.
Workers are entitled to fair rest periods and worker breaks, especially in high-risk sectors like construction and marine.
Keep updated records of:
Worker's personal information
Salary payments and deductions
Medical examination certificates
Training certifications
Keep all employment contracts and work permit documentation for a minimum of 2 years after employment ends.
Document all workplace safety training and medical check-ups.
Create clear records of leave applications, overtime hours, and attendance.
The work permit application process in Singapore requires careful attention to documentation, timelines, and submission methods. Employers or appointed employment agents can submit applications through official channels.
You must gather these essential documents before starting the application:
Valid passport copy of the migrant worker
Educational certificates and qualifications
Medical examination results
Written consent from the worker
Proof of skills training or certifications (if required for certain sectors)
Make sure all documents are translated to English by an authorized translator if they're in other languages.
Your work permit application must be submitted before the worker arrives in Singapore for non-Malaysian workers.
Processing time typically takes 1-3 working days once all documents are submitted correctly.
Fees:
Initial application fee: $35
Issuance fee: $35
Foreign worker levy (varies by sector and worker category)
Online application through MOM’s website is the preferred method. You can access it through:
Singpass login
Online application offers faster processing time and real-time status updates.
In-person application is limited to special cases and requires a prior appointment at MOM Services Centre.
Singapore has strict regulations for migrant worker employment through dedicated government bodies and comprehensive labor laws. These laws protect both employers and workers while ensuring fair employment practices.
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is the main authority for work permit matters in Singapore. You must work directly with MOM for all permit applications and renewals.
MOM’s responsibilities include:
Processing work permit applications
Setting and updating foreign worker quotas
Enforcing workplace safety standards
Handling employment disputes
Monitoring employer compliance
Work Pass Division specifically manages foreign employment passes and conducts regular audits of employer practices.
You must comply with Work Permit conditions set by MOM. Breaking these rules can result in fines or debarment from hiring foreign workers.
Essential compliance requirements:
Provide valid work permits for all foreign employees
Meet minimum salary requirements
Maintain proper housing standards
Pay levies on time
Keep accurate employment records
Your foreign worker must receive their In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter before entering Singapore. This document outlines their employment terms and conditions.
Helping migrant workers settle in Singapore creates a more productive workforce and better retention. Migrant workers need support to understand local culture and access essential services.
You should provide new migrant workers with orientation sessions on Singaporean culture and workplace norms. This helps them settle faster and work more effectively.
Organize regular cultural activities and celebrations to help workers feel connected to the community. These can include festivals, food fairs, and cultural exchange events.
Partner with organizations that offer skill training and social activities for migrant workers. These help workers build networks and develop new skills.
Ensure your workers know how to access:
Healthcare facilities and emergency contacts
Public transport routes and schedules
Banking services
Grocery stores and markets
Religious facilities
Recreation centers
Provide translated information on public services and emergency procedures. Keep contact details of support services handy.
Help workers set up their bank accounts and know how to send money home safely. Make sure they know their rights regarding work permit conditions and healthcare access.
Work permits need to be done in time for both renewal and cancellation to comply with Singapore’s employment regulations and avoid business disruptions.
Renewal applications can be submitted between 7 to 12 weeks before the current permit expires. This allows time for processing and handling of any issues.
Before you start the renewal process:
Check foreign worker quota
Ensure valid security bond
Verify medical insurance requirements
Confirm worker’s eligibility
Resolve any outstanding employment issues
Renewal applications for work permit holders must be submitted through the WP Online (WPOL) system. Worker can continue working while renewal is being processed as long as you submit before the current permit expires.
When terminating a work permit, you must cancel within 7 days of the worker’s departure from Singapore.
Log in to WP Online
Select the reason for the cancellation
Complete the cancellation process
If your worker wants to transfer to another employer, they can apply at the end of their employment period. Ensure all documentation is completed properly to avoid disputes. You can still discuss renewal options with your worker even if their transfer application is unsuccessful.
Applying for work permits for foreign workers can be tricky. Many employers experience delays and rejections due to incomplete documents or administrative errors.
Application may be rejected if you don’t meet foreign worker quota requirements. Keep track of quota usage and plan hiring accordingly.
Common Issues and Solution:
Missing documents: Create a checklist before submission
Expired passports: Check validity 6 months in advance
Incorrect salary: Double-check numbers
Wrong job titles: Match with approved occupation list
Administrative errors can cause compliance issues. Set up a system to track permit expiry and renewal deadlines.
Foreign workers need to have proper medical insurance. Keep insurance policies updated and records accurate.
Tips:
Submit applications at least 3 weeks before work start date
Keep digital copy of all documents
Use MOM’s online portal to check status
Set up email reminders for important deadlines
Language barriers can slow down the process. Consider using bilingual HR staff or a translator for documentation.
Verify worker’s qualifications and certificates before applying. This prevents delays in credential verification.
Work permits for migrant workers give you access to skilled workers from approved countries and regions for construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process and services sectors.
You can fill up your business critical gaps, especially for roles that are hard to staff locally. Migrant workers bring skills and experience from their home countries.
Your company benefits from having a more diverse workforce with different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. This diversity often leads to innovation and creativity in the workplace.
Operating costs can be managed better since salary requirements are clearly defined for migrant workers. You know exactly what to budget for wages and benefits.
Advantages:
Flexible staffing for seasonal or project-based work
Access to workers with technical skills
Diverse workforce
Cost-effective labor solution
Reliable workforce for labor-intensive industries
Applying work permit for migrant workers in Singapore requires attention to detail and process. Make sure your workers have valid work permits and adhere to conditions.
New 2025 regulations change minimum wage and permit systems. Stay updated to be compliant and avoid fines.
Key actions for employers:
Verify workers from approved source countries
Apply through the correct channel
Keep records clean
Provide housing and medical care
Track permit renewal dates
Work permits are job-specific, workers cannot move to another employer without approval. Follow the proper transfer process if needed.
Taking care of your migrant workers' needs helps you build a stable and productive workforce. You can access resources and support from MOM to manage your foreign workers well.
Follow these tips to have a compliant and efficient foreign workforce and avoid legal troubles.
