Halting Work Transfers as Preventive Measure to Stabilise Rising Salaries of Migrant Construction Workers

Ms Poh Li San asked the Minister for Manpower whether the current practice effected on 1 March 2021 to allow existing migrant construction workers who meet the requirements to transfer to a new employer, can be halted to stabilise the churn and the potential for rising salaries.

Given the manpower disruptions due to COVID-19 border restrictions, MOM has been reviewing our policies to strengthen support for employers and facilitate the retention of migrant workers in Singapore, while balancing the needs of employers and workers.

To retain experienced migrant workers in Singapore, MOM and Singapore Contractors Association Ltd (SCAL) introduced a Retention Scheme in September 2021. Experienced workers whose previous employment has been terminated but wish to continue working in Singapore are placed on the scheme and matched with prospective employers. Such transfers are facilitated by SCAL with safeguards in place, such as disallowing workers who job-hop frequently from accessing the scheme.

More recently, MOM announced adjustments to the period during which construction work permit holders can change employers without the original employer’s consent. Where there is mutual agreement between the employer and worker, the work permit may be extended for a 30-day period after its original expiry date. The worker may use this 30-day period to search for another employer without the need for the original employer’s consent. In return, the original employer is able to retain the worker in employment for another 30 days. Should there not be agreement from the worker or employer to extend the work permit by 30 days, the worker will be enrolled in the Retention Scheme where SCAL will have 30 days to facilitate a job-match with a new employer. This change will facilitate the retention of experienced workers and foster greater manpower stability in the construction sector.

MOM is in close contact with SCAL and will continue to hear their feedback and proposals and make appropriate adjustments to our policies.