Immigration & foreign manpower — Topics

8 May 2023

Number of Hours Worked by Immigration Officers Per Shift at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints

The four-day shift cycle for ICA officers at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints involves two 12-hour shifts followed by two rest days, allowing for up to 42 hours of work per week without overtime.
Overtime is required during peak periods like school holidays and long weekends, with officers at Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints averaging nine and twelve hours of overtime per month respectively from 2018 to 2022.
The shift cycle was introduced at Tuas Checkpoint in April 2021 and at Woodlands Checkpoint in August 2021.

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8 May 2023

Replicating Parts of Korean Employment Permit Scheme in Recruitment of Low-wage Bangladeshi Migrant Workers

Leon Perera asked if the Ministry of Manpower would study replicating parts of South Korea's Employment Permit Scheme to regulate recruitment of low-wage Bangladeshi migrant workers and reduce exploitation and high fees.
Manpower Minister Tan See Leng said the Korean scheme was previously deemed unsuitable for Singapore due to higher worker volumes and long waiting times in Korea.
MOM acknowledges the issue of high recruitment fees in workers' home countries but lacks jurisdiction to regulate them, though it has limited fees charged by agencies in Singapore.
The ministry is exploring alternatives, such as facilitating direct recruitment channels for returning workers to reduce reliance on intermediaries and lower fees, though this is still in early consideration.

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8 May 2023

Factors Considered in Drawing up COMPASS Shortage Occupation List

The Ministry of Manpower and Ministry of Trade and Industry evaluate occupations for the Shortage Occupation List based on strategic economic importance, labour shortage indicators from job vacancy and application data, and sector commitment to developing local talent pipelines, with sector agencies setting and reviewing local training and employment commitments.
The Shortage Occupation List is reviewed regularly, with annual adjustments and a full reset every three years, to respond to labour market changes, avoid entrenched dependencies on foreign workers, and ensure local graduates are not disadvantaged, with monitoring of local graduate outcomes and wage trends.
Ministries collaborate with sector agencies, the Ministry of Education, and institutions of higher learning to align course offerings with industry needs, provide broad career guidance, and encourage continuous upskilling, though detailed list sharing for career guidance is balanced against the accelerating pace of change in the job market.

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8 May 2023

Data on Ultra-high Net Worth Individuals and Their Families Who Have Been Granted Singapore Citizenship

Mr Leong Mun Wai asked for annual data since 2000 on ultra-high net worth individuals granted Singapore citizenship, those who obtained it after setting up family offices, and those through other avenues.
Minister Shanmugam stated that the ICA does not collect wealth data for citizenship applications, emphasized that wealth does not guarantee citizenship, and noted a researcher's misquoted figures about high-net-worth individuals moving to Singapore were clarified as not referring to citizenship grants.
The minister explained that each application is assessed on broad factors like contribution to Singapore, job creation, skills, family ties, and integration, with different criteria for different applicants.
Pritam Singh asked if the Ministry reached out to the publication regarding the misquotation, but the minister did not confirm any specific outreach, only noting the ministry's rebuttal and the researcher's clarification.

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21 Apr 2023

Proposal to Allow Hawkers above Age 60 to Hire One Foreign Worker to Help with Food Preparation

Dr Tan Yia Swam proposed allowing hawkers over 60 to hire one foreign worker for food preparation and to train them to preserve hawker culture.
The government maintains that only Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents may operate or work in NEA-managed hawker centres to protect the local identity of the culture.
To address manpower challenges, schemes like the enhanced Hawkers' Productivity Grant provide co-funding for automation and digital solutions to boost productivity.

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21 Apr 2023

Biometric Identification for Automated Clearance of Babies and Children Passing through Immigration Checkpoints

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired about technical challenges in using biometrics for automated clearance of young children at immigration checkpoints.
The Ministry of Home Affairs explained that children under six have developing biometrics, making them unreliable for automated lanes and requiring manual verification.
Special Assistance Lanes have been set up at Changi Airport since November 2022 to allow family groups with young children to use automated clearance with officer assistance.
These lanes will be expanded to land and sea checkpoints progressively from the end of this year.
The measures aim to balance efficiency and security while accommodating families with infants and children.

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21 Apr 2023

Investigation into Dormitory Operators Who Allowed Packed Food for Migrant Workers to be Left Unattended

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Manpower about the number of dormitory operators investigated and any enforcement actions taken over the past five years for leaving packed food unattended.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) stated it has not received complaints leading to enforcement actions in the last five years, but regular inspections have identified issues that dormitory operators addressed promptly without needing enforcement.
MOM is currently investigating recent media-reported cases and will take necessary enforcement actions if serious breaches of regulations are found.
Dormitory residents can report food-related issues to MOM's on-site teams or via the FWMOMCare app, with MOM following up with operators and employers to rectify problems.
In serious cases, MOM will take appropriate enforcement action, but no prosecutions or compound fines have been issued in the past five years for this specific issue.

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21 Apr 2023

Assessment of Tech Capabilities and Competencies for Employment Pass under COMPASS

The Ministry of Manpower works with the Infocomm Media Development Authority to verify applicants' tech qualifications and work experience against the COMPASS Shortage Occupation List at the application stage.
After approval, EP holders are restricted to the specified shortage occupation, and any change in job role requires a new EP application with reassessment.
MOM conducts random audits and investigates whistle-blower cases to detect misuse, imposing stiff penalties for fraudulent applications.

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21 Apr 2023

Debate on President's Address

Parliament debated the GST policy, with Workers' Party clarifying they accepted the 7% rate but opposed the hike to 9%, while PAP highlighted the evolution of party positions and the need for clarity on policy stands.
Dennis Tan raised concerns about rising COE prices impacting private buyers and small businesses, and urged faster adoption of electric vehicles and better support for logistics companies and parallel importers in the green transition.
Pritam Singh outlined WP's role as a responsible opposition, listing policy proposals adopted by the government, calling for transparency in foreign talent policies, and advocating for English proficiency as a criterion for new PRs and citizens to aid integration.

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10 Apr 2023

Prime Minister's Office (Strategy Group)

The Strategy Group will lead public service efforts to address long-term challenges through the Forward Singapore initiative, aiming to refresh social compacts, promote fairness and inclusion, and develop new policies for lifelong opportunities and resilience.
It will strengthen whole-of-government planning to tackle complex issues like geopolitical tensions, technological disruptions, and societal changes, while enhancing economic, social, and national resilience amid resource constraints.
Population strategies will be updated to harness longevity, manage foreign worker and immigration flows for Singaporeans' benefit, and support families through pro-family measures and a collaborative societal effort.
Climate change efforts will focus on mitigating and adapting to global warming, including raising the carbon tax, diversifying energy sources, developing low-carbon technologies, and preparing for climate impacts like rising sea levels.
The government will bolster forward planning capabilities and engage Singaporeans to ensure a sustainable, thriving future, working with international partners to shape global climate action.

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10 Apr 2023

Ministry of Manpower

MOM will enhance career support for Singaporeans through tools like Jobs Transformation Maps and CareersFinder, while professionalizing skilled trades and developing more local corporate leaders to keep workers relevant amid economic changes.
The ministry will roll out the COMPASS framework for Employment Pass applications from September 2023 to encourage diverse teams and support strategic economic priorities, while also strengthening protections for platform workers with injury compensation and CPF contributions.
MOM is committed to uplifting lower-wage workers with Progressive Wages and enhanced Workfare, supporting seniors and persons with disabilities through extended employment credits, and bolstering retirement adequacy by raising the CPF salary ceiling and reviewing policies for broader coverage.

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22 Mar 2023

Requirement for Performing Artiste Holding Work Permit to Attend Settling-in Programme

Louis Ng asked whether the Ministry of Manpower will require performing artiste work permit holders to attend a Settling-in Programme, similar to other sectors like migrant domestic workers.
The Ministry stated that non-Malaysian work permit holders in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process sectors, and migrant domestic workers attend the programme.
The Ministry reviews this periodically but has no current plans to extend the programme to performing artiste work permit holders.

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21 Mar 2023

Forgery of In-principle Approval Letters for Migrant Workers

Louis Ng asked whether the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) investigates collusion between Singapore employers or agencies and overseas agents in forging in-principle approval (IPA) letters for migrant workers, and if not, whether it will start doing so.
MOM stated it conducts thorough investigations to identify parties involved in forgery cases and will check for collusion between local employers or agencies and overseas agents.
From 2018 to 2022, only one local employer was charged and convicted for forging IPA letters, and MOM will take enforcement action against any errant parties found complicit.

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21 Mar 2023

Profile of Foreigners Granted Singapore Citizenship

Leong Mun Wai asked for annual data since 2000 on the age, profession, and income distribution of foreigners granted Singapore citizenship.
The Minister referred to a prior parliamentary reply for age breakdowns and stated that from 2000 to 2022, about 37% of new citizens were PMETs, 14% non-PMETs, and 49% were not economically active.
From 2012 to 2022, around 32% of new citizens had a gross monthly income above the median of full-time employed citizens at the time of application.

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20 Mar 2023

Number of Foreign Students Caught Working Illegally in 2022 and Actions Taken against Hiring Companies

In 2022, 38 foreign students holding a Student’s Pass were caught working illegally, all of whom were warned and had their passes cancelled while being barred from working in Singapore.
The 21 companies that illegally hired these students faced enforcement actions, including 11 stern warnings, nine composition fines, and one prosecution.
Foreign students may only work up to 16 hours per week if enrolled in a recognized institution or during approved industrial attachments, otherwise they require a valid Work Pass.

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20 Mar 2023

Singapore's COVID-19 Response

The Singapore government prioritized protecting lives and livelihoods during the pandemic, implementing measures to control COVID-19 outbreaks in migrant worker dormitories, support local jobs through initiatives like the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package, and strengthen systems for future resilience, including new dormitory standards and healthcare reforms.
The response highlighted the importance of tripartite partnerships and community support, with significant contributions from NGOs, employers, and grassroots volunteers, while also acknowledging lessons learned, such as the need for better early communication and mask availability during the crisis.
Singapore's financial strength and decisive leadership, including drawing on reserves and establishing support schemes, enabled the country to navigate the economic and health challenges, with the 4G leadership demonstrating effective governance and a commitment to emerging stronger from the pandemic.

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20 Mar 2023

Singapore's COVID-19 Response

The debate honored Singapore’s frontline workers and endorsed the White Paper on COVID-19 lessons, highlighting the nation’s unified response and record-high public trust during the crisis.
Key shortcomings were identified, including initial errors in migrant worker dormitory protocols and overly complex safe management measures, with a call for transparent review and future preparedness.
Speakers emphasized the need for stronger healthcare capacity, supply chain resilience, and forward planning, including a dedicated public health center and dynamic crisis teams.
The Workers’ Party and others stressed inclusivity and support for vulnerable groups, urging greater attention to mental health, migrant worker welfare, and fair business aid, while calling for full transparency in the review process.

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3 Mar 2023

In-principle Approval Letters Issued to Work Permit Holders Broken Down by Basic Salary

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Manpower for each year in the past five years, how many in-principle approval letters issued to Work Permit holders (domestic and non-domestic workers) stated basic salaries in the ranges of less than $100, $101–$500, $501–$800, $801–$1,200, and above $1,201.
As of January 2023, the median basic monthly salary for domestic Work Permit holders was $650, while for non-domestic Work Permit holders it was $1,000.
The basic salary does not fully reflect overall remuneration because employers are required to provide accommodation, food, and medical care under regulations.
Work Permit holders may also receive additional wages such as overtime pay, allowances, bonuses, or cash incentives.
The basic salary figures are only one component of the total compensation package for Work Permit holders.

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3 Mar 2023

Cases against Holders of Work Permits for Performing Artistes and Their Top Three Offences

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Home Affairs for statistics on criminal cases involving holders of Work Permits for performing artistes over the last three years, including numbers reported, prosecuted, and convicted, as well as the top three offences.
K Shanmugam responded that the Police do not track data on offences specifically by holders of Work Permits for performing artistes.
The debate highlighted the lack of specific data available for this group of permit holders.
No further details on offences or statistics were provided in the exchange.

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2 Mar 2023

Forgery of In-principle Approval Letters for Employment Purposes

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry of Manpower for data over the past five years on investigations, convictions, and stern warnings for forging in-principle approval (IPA) letters for employment.
From 2018 to 2022, MOM received 70 reports of forged IPA letters, typically involving overseas agents who alter employment terms like salary before providing the forged letters to migrant workers.
One employer was convicted for forging an IPA letter during this period, while the overseas perpetrators often remain beyond MOM's enforcement reach.

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