Immigration & foreign manpower — Topics

3 Aug 2023

Training for Migrant Domestic Workers in Caregiving for Individuals with Special Needs

The Agency for Integrated Care and SG Enable provide training courses for caregivers of individuals with special needs, which migrant domestic workers (MDWs) can attend if hired by households, with costs potentially covered by the Caregivers Training Grant.
Employment agencies facilitate matches by requiring employers to specify caregiving tasks, and MDWs have the chance to clarify job expectations and training before accepting assignments.
MDWs who feel unsure or uncomfortable with caregiving tasks should inform their employers to request additional training or support, and may also seek help from their employment agencies.

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3 Aug 2023

Identifying Mental Distress and Stressors in Migrant Domestic Workers

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires first-time employers to attend the Employers’ Orientation Programme, which educates them on their responsibilities, including being patient and understanding towards their migrant domestic workers (MDWs).
MOM provides a mental well-being guide for employers, shares information on stress signs and healthy habits, and promotes helplines from MOM and NGOs to support MDWs in distress.
MOM collaborates with the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) to interview first-time MDWs within six months of employment, facilitating communication and amicable resolution of issues between employers and workers.
MOM also educates MDWs through the Settling-in Programme and outreach materials to help them manage stress and communicate effectively with their employers.

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3 Aug 2023

Rejection of Applications of Spouses of Low-wage and Aged Singaporeans for Long-Term Visit Passes to Work and Fulfil Family Care Needs

Ms Carrie Tan raised concerns about the rejection of Long-Term Visit Pass applications for spouses of low-wage and aged Singaporeans, suggesting a special pass category to address caregiving needs and reduce financial strain on applicants.
The Minister of State for Home Affairs explained that each application is assessed holistically, considering factors like marriage length, children, financial support, and caregiving needs, but no separate pass category is currently needed.
He emphasized that marriage to a Singaporean does not guarantee entry, advised pre-marriage assessments, and highlighted existing government support for such couples, while balancing security and broader societal factors.
Dennis Tan inquired about grounds for rejection beyond financial issues, and the Minister reiterated that individual circumstances and holistic factors are considered, with approvals granted where merited.

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2 Aug 2023

Electronic Payment of Salaries for Work Permit Holders

He Ting Ru inquired about the proportion of Work Permit holders receiving salaries electronically and how to make this practice consistent.
Tan See Leng stated that about 97% of employers of Work Permit holders in dormitories use electronic payments, but the Ministry does not track data for all Work Permit holders.
The Ministry strongly encourages electronic payments to reduce disputes and delays, and employers are legally required to comply if a worker requests direct bank transfers.

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2 Aug 2023

Price and Lease Length of Dormitory Bed Rental Contracts and Measures to Mitigate against Excessive Rental Increases

The average monthly rental rate for a dormitory bed in the first quarter of 2023 was $420, up from $280 in the first quarter of 2019, with strong demand and higher costs being key drivers.
Dormitory bed rental contracts are typically signed for one or two years, and the government has added nearly 17,000 beds since December 2022 through measures like relaxing criteria for Factory Converted Dormitories and converting quarantine facilities.
The government is urging employers to adopt productivity measures and secure housing for workers before they enter Singapore to mitigate excessive rental increases.

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2 Aug 2023

Number of Purpose-built Dormitories and Beds Completed and Planned

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked for the number of purpose-built dormitories and beds completed annually over the last 10 years and expected annually over the next five years.
Tan See Leng replied that 25 purpose-built dormitories with about 145,800 beds were completed in the past 10 years.
He added that government agencies will continue to make sites available and expect at least seven dormitories with 47,000 beds to be completed over the next five years.
The response outlines both historical completion and future projections without providing yearly breakdowns.
The focus is on ensuring sufficient dormitory capacity for migrant workers in the coming years.

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2 Aug 2023

Applications for Long-Term Visit Pass and Re-applications for Pre-Marriage Long-Term Visit Pass Assessment

From 2016 to 2022, ICA processed an annual average of 7,200 LTVP applications from foreign spouses of Singaporeans.
An annual average of 3,000 of these LTVP applicants had previously completed the PMLA before applying.
The figures cover the period from 2016 to the present and are presented as annual averages.

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2 Aug 2023

Success Rate in Pre-Marriage Long-Term Visit Pass Assessment Applications

From 2016 to 2022, an annual average of 3,900 applications were received for the Pre-Marriage Long-Term Visit Pass Assessment (PMLA).
Of these, about 3,000 Letters of Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) eligibility were issued each year.
Approximately 1,900 applicants per year who received the Letter of LTVP Eligibility were eventually granted an LTVP or LTVP+, as not all proceed to apply and approvals depend on unchanged circumstances.

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2 Aug 2023

Companies Reported for Employing "Phantom Workers"

From 2021 to June 2023, MOM received about 2,000 reports of companies using "phantom workers" to inflate foreign worker quotas, with only 10% substantiated and referred for investigation.
The top three sectors for such companies were food and beverage, personal services (e.g., beauty salons and spas), and manufacturing.
Workers who suspect incorrect income tax due to phantom CPF contributions should inform IRAS with supporting documents for review, while those receiving unknown CPF contributions should report to the CPF Board.

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2 Aug 2023

Companies Investigated for Splitting Local Qualifying Salary Payments for More Foreign Worker Quotas

Yeo Wan Ling questioned the Minister for Manpower about the number of companies investigated in the past five years for splitting Local Qualifying Salary payments to increase foreign worker quotas, and Tan See Leng responded that such actions are prohibited under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act and subject to investigation.
Between 2018 and 2022, about 640 employers were investigated for inflating foreign worker entitlement, with only a small proportion involving splitting local salaries across business entities, and MOM does not track whether these entities are related as it does not affect enforcement outcomes.
Of the 640 investigated employers, enforcement actions were taken against about 15%, while the rest faced no action due to reasons such as no foreign hires using additional quota, administrative lapses, or insufficient evidence.

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2 Aug 2023

Justification for Distinction between Ethnic Integration Policy and Non-citizen Criteria for Open Market Rentals of HDB Flats

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned the justification for distinguishing between the Ethnic Integration Policy and non-citizen criteria for open market rentals, arguing both alter estate characteristics regardless of tenancy duration, and asked if EIP could apply to long-term rentals.
Desmond Lee explained that EIP applies to HDB flat sales and purchases to maintain ethnic balance, while open market rentals are exempt as they are temporary and do not affect long-term ethnic proportions.
He noted the Non-Citizen Quota caps rentals to non-citizens to preserve the Singaporean character of HDB heartlands and prevent foreign enclaves, irrespective of race.
The Ministry stated both policies work together to reflect Singapore's ethnic diversity and will be reviewed to meet evolving societal needs.

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2 Aug 2023

Immigration (Amendment) Bill

The Second Minister for Home Affairs presented the Immigration (Amendment) Bill to update the Immigration Act 1959, repeal the Banishment Act 1959, and make related amendments to other Acts.
The bill was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading on or after 18 September 2023.
The debate focuses on modernizing immigration laws and removing outdated provisions like the Banishment Act.

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2 Aug 2023

Progress on Consultation for Transporting Migrant Workers by Buses or Other Modes of Transport

The government acknowledges the safety concerns of transporting migrant workers on lorries and has introduced measures such as mandatory front cabin occupancy, canopies, higher railings, and stricter licensing to improve safety, resulting in a reduction in fatalities and injuries.
While recognizing the impracticality of an immediate ban due to operational constraints for SMEs, which could affect projects and livelihoods, the government emphasizes a collaborative approach with industry associations, NGOs, and unions to find workable solutions.
An interagency group already engages stakeholders to address challenges, and suggestions for a new work group with broader representation are being considered to explore timelines and subsidies for safer transport alternatives.

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6 Jul 2023

Review Migrant Domestic Worker Hiring Policies to Allow Diverse Care Arrangements such as Private Co-Living Care Format

Carrie Tan asked the Ministry of Manpower to review migrant domestic worker hiring policies to allow diverse eldercare arrangements like private co-living care and to share the concerns and data behind current restrictions.
The Minister of State explained that migrant domestic workers are protected under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act and their deployment is limited to non-commercial domestic services to ensure their well-being, with other eldercare options already available through various ministries.
Carrie Tan pressed for openness to new regulatory frameworks that balance care needs with affordability and viability, and the Minister of State affirmed that the Ministry is working with health authorities to develop new eldercare models.

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5 Jul 2023

Rise in Resident Employment in First Quarter 2023

Leong Mun Wai queried the Manpower Minister about the 2,800 rise in resident employment in Q1 2023, specifically the share attributable to non-residents becoming residents and the breakdown between full-time permanent and part-time roles.
Tan See Leng responded that the quarterly labour market reports do not collect data on the net change in resident employment by prior residency status or by full-time and part-time roles.

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5 Jul 2023

Reviewing Background Screening Companies Responsible for Verifying Qualifications of Employment Pass Applicants

The Ministry of Manpower will require employers to verify diploma-level and above qualifications for Employment Pass applications from September 2023, using listed screening companies or government/institution portals.
Twelve background screening companies were selected through a panel review based on criteria including scale, cost, speed, accuracy, customer support, and data protection, and will undergo regular audits.
For conflicting verification results, MOM will investigate discrepancies by reviewing the companies’ processes and communications with institutions to ensure accuracy.
MOM has implemented measures to aid employers, such as listing the companies on its website, requiring them to disclose service details, enforcing declared processing times, and working with associations for employer education.
Companies that fail to meet MOM’s standards will be removed from the list to maintain quality and reliability in the verification process.

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5 Jul 2023

Non-Singaporean Tamil Language Teachers Employed in Schools and Language Centres

Leong Mun Wai asked whether MOE has data on the number of non-Singaporean Tamil Language teachers employed and if schools would consider hiring more from abroad due to a local shortage.
Chan Chun Sing stated that as of December 2022, MOE employed 24 Tamil Language teachers who are Work Pass holders.
MOE prioritizes hiring local teachers but recruits foreign teachers for Tamil Language when local applicants are limited, selecting them based on track record and potential to assimilate.

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5 Jul 2023

Inclusion of Other Relatives under Sponsorship Scheme for Seniors with No Children or Siblings to Hire Migrant Domestic Workers

The Ministry of Manpower allows seniors aged 60 and above with no income or working adults in the household to hire a migrant domestic worker under a sponsorship scheme, requiring sponsors with direct familial relationships like children or siblings.
On a case-by-case basis, other relatives can be approved as sponsors after providing documentation explaining their circumstances and relationship to the senior.
For urgent needs due to declining health, the ministry expedites the approval process for such sponsorship applications.

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5 Jul 2023

Rationale for Allowing Use of Only Single-deck Beds in Migrant Worker Dormitories

Louis Ng Kok Kwang questioned the rationale for allowing only single-deck beds in migrant worker dormitories, when the policy was revised to allow double-decker beds, and the reasons for the revision.
The Ministry of Manpower clarified that it never mandated the exclusive use of single-deck beds, but trialled them in 2020 to reduce disease transmission risks in quick-build dormitories.
The new dormitory standards introduced in September 2021 did not include a requirement for single beds, as other measures like en-suite toilets and room capacity caps were prioritized to manage public health.
The revision was driven by the need to balance disease transmission reduction with the practical use of space, leading to the adoption of alternative safety features instead of bed type restrictions.
The response emphasized that single beds were only one factor in transmission risk management, and the focus shifted to comprehensive dormitory design improvements.

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4 Jul 2023

Work Permit Holders Granted Approval to Marry Singaporeans

Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Manpower for statistics from 2021-2022 on approvals for Work Permit holders to marry Singaporeans, including gender breakdown, industries of the approved spouses, and the criteria used.
The Ministry of Manpower approved an average of about 1,100 applications per year in 2021-2022 from current or former Work Permit holders to marry Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents.
Of the approved applicants, 84% were female.
The Ministry assesses marriage applications holistically, considering the applicants' ability to support themselves and their families.

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