Immigration & foreign manpower — Topics

11 May 2021

Review of Foreign Domestic Worker Employment Policies to Offer Them More Protection

The Ministry of Manpower is reviewing measures to better safeguard the well-being of migrant domestic workers (MDWs), with further details to be provided later.
By the end of the year, the Centre for Domestic Employees will interview every new MDW within three to six months of starting work, typically in-person and in their native language, in a private room without the employer present to encourage honest sharing.
If in-person interviews are not possible due to COVID-19, video calls will be used, with employers required to ensure privacy; interviews will be stopped if the MDW appears uneasy or the employer refuses cooperation.
The ministry is also exploring other protective measures, such as working with healthcare providers to identify signs of abuse and involving employment agencies in checking on first-time MDWs.

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11 May 2021

Rejections of Applications for Hiring of Foreign Domestic Workers

Between 2019 and 2020, about 5% of applications to hire migrant domestic workers were rejected.
Rejections were mainly due to employers lacking or having unstable income, or being unable to meet the criteria for hiring a second MDW.
In 2020, enhanced border controls and daily entry limits to manage COVID-19 also led to more rejections.
From October 2020, entry approvals for new MDWs increased as Singapore's COVID-19 situation improved.
The Manpower Ministry provides these figures and reasons in response to parliamentary questions.

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11 May 2021

Support for Companies Affected by Restrictions on Travellers from India

The recent border restrictions on India are expected to significantly impact the supply of migrant workers for the Construction, Marine, and Process sectors, leading to project delays and potential job losses.
The government has allowed construction firms to source workers from alternative countries like China and is introducing temporary measures to ease entry and certification requirements.
Additional support includes extensions of time for public sector projects, financial compensation for delays, increased foreign worker levy rebates, and legislation to adjust contract sums for rising manpower costs.
Authorities will continue to engage firms and explore further measures to help the sectors cope, while pushing for long-term productivity improvements to reduce reliance on migrant workers.

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11 May 2021

COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Amendment No 3) Bill

The Bill amends the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act to allow contractors to apply for adjustments to contract sums due to increased foreign manpower costs from October 2020 to September 2021, with an assessor determining a just and equitable sharing of these costs among project parties.
The Government has introduced additional support measures, including an Extension of Time for public projects, increased Foreign Worker Levy rebates, and temporary flexibility for Chinese workers to obtain skills certification locally, to address the severe manpower shortage in the construction sector.
Members of Parliament raised concerns about the Bill's impact on BTO flat prices, public expenditure, and the need for longer-term productivity transformation, while also suggesting further measures such as expanding foreign worker sources and enhancing support for contractors.

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11 May 2021

Impact of Restricted Inflow of Foreign Workers on Population and Companies' Operations

Businesses, especially in the construction, marine, and process sectors, have been severely affected by the restricted inflow of foreign workers, leading to manpower shortages that impact their ability to meet commitments.
The government has implemented measures such as increased levy rebates and temporary schemes for workers from alternative countries like China, while also reviewing the extension of In-Principle Approvals and potential refunds for applications.
There is a net outflow of foreign workers from Singapore, with the government managing a balance between controlling COVID-19 risks and addressing industry needs through dynamic entry approvals and support for SMEs.

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10 May 2021

Renewal of S Passes for Companies where Quota was Reduced Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked if companies can renew S Passes even when their quota is reduced due to workforce drops from COVID-19 restrictions.
The Minister explained that quotas are reduced based on total workforce numbers, including employees on payroll or with valid passes, but not those with in-principle approval who haven't arrived.
MOM may grant time-limited extensions for existing passes on appeal, provided there are valid reasons and short-term assurances.
Companies needing support can apply for the Lean Enterprise Development Scheme while transitioning to a leaner workforce.
The response emphasizes fairness and consistency in applying quota rules across all employers.

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10 May 2021

Estimated Amount of Each Type of Tax Paid by Pass Holders and Other Foreigners Working or Living in Singapore in Last Five Years

Leong Mun Wai asked for the estimated amount of each type of tax paid by various foreign pass holders in Singapore over the last five years.
Heng Swee Keat explained that the tax system is progressive and does not differentiate by nationality, so detailed breakdowns by pass type are not available, but provided general figures such as foreigners contributing about $3.7 billion annually in personal income tax.
He noted that foreigners account for over 40% of net GST borne by households and individuals, and around 16% of Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty revenue, averaging $174 million per year.
The Minister emphasized that property taxes are progressive, with foreign buyers subject to higher rates, but most properties are owned by locals.
The response highlighted that tax revenue benefits Singaporeans through subsidies in education, healthcare, and housing.

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10 May 2021

Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Programme for Foreign Workers

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked for an update on the COVID-19 vaccination programme for foreign workers in Singapore and the construction industry, whether fully vaccinated construction workers still need fortnightly swab tests, and if work permit applicants vaccinated abroad get reduced Stay-Home Notice.
Minister Josephine Teo stated that vaccination for foreign workers in large dormitories, especially from the construction sector, has begun, with 42,000 fully vaccinated by end April (70% from construction), and more vaccinations will continue as vaccine supply allows.
Fully vaccinated migrant workers now undergo testing every 28 days instead of every 14 days, but this frequency is subject to monitoring and review, as vaccination reduces severe illness risk but not infection or transmission risk entirely.
New work permit applicants vaccinated in their home countries must still complete the same Stay-Home Notice as unvaccinated individuals, though the government will review this as more data on vaccine effectiveness becomes available.

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10 May 2021

Efforts to Care for Migrant Workers' Mental Well-being and Allow for Measured Access to Facilities Beyond their Dormitories

The Ministry of Manpower has expanded migrant workers' recreation opportunities, including more frequent and longer visits to recreation centres and reopened in-dorm communal facilities, while keeping them updated on COVID-19 measures through the FWMOMCare app.
To support mental well-being, a multi-stakeholder taskforce called Project DAWN was established to develop a comprehensive support ecosystem, with counselling in native languages, mental health resources, and training for frontline professionals and peer support leaders.
Restrictions are being eased in a safe, gradual manner, with controlled community visits allowed when dormitory cases remain low and further easing possible when vaccination rates are high and transmission risks are reduced.

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10 May 2021

Regulations to Ensure Safety for Migrant Workers Ferried in Lorries

Multiple MPs raised concerns about the safety of migrant workers transported in lorries, asking for data on accidents and fatalities, and proposing stricter regulations such as using buses or mini-buses with seat belts.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport acknowledged the tragic recent accidents but highlighted that international practices vary and that banning lorry transport would impose significant costs and operational challenges on industries, especially during the pandemic.
The government has implemented past safety measures, such as higher side railings and stricter licensing, and noted a downward trend in injuries and fatalities, but stressed that balancing safety with livelihoods is complex and requires ongoing stakeholder engagement.
MPs called for a new workgroup to review vehicle designs, speed limits, and equipment securing, while the government indicated it would consider these suggestions in its current review but cautioned against measures like speed limits that could increase accident risks.
The government emphasized the need for public education, enforcement, and partnerships with employers to improve safety, while acknowledging that any regulatory changes must account for industry viability and workers' job security.

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5 Apr 2021

Percentage and Breakdown of Dependant Pass Holders Undertaking Employment by Countries of Origin, Employment Type, Industries and Salary Ranges

Leon Perera inquired about the percentage of Dependant Pass (DP) holders working part-time under Letters of Consent (LOC) and the industries and company sizes affected when these holders cannot meet work pass criteria.
He Ting Ru requested data from 2016 to 2020 on the number of DP holders granted LOCs, their countries of origin by region, and breakdowns of job types and salary ranges.
Mrs Josephine Teo stated that DP LOC holders constituted about 1% of work pass holders from 2016 to 2020, work in sectors like Education and Professional Services, and that MOM does not collect part-time data or publish nationality breakdowns.
From May 2021, DP holders wishing to work must apply for standard work passes, with minimal overall workforce impact but firm-level adjustments needed, while LTVP holders remain unaffected.

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5 Apr 2021

Plans to Increase Percentage of Foreign Domestic Workers from Other Countries In Light of Indonesia's Zero Placement Fee Policy

Mr Melvin Yong inquired about the potential impact of Indonesia's zero placement fee policy on other countries, plans to increase FDWs from less common source countries like Thailand and Cambodia, and whether the list of approved countries could be expanded.
Mrs Josephine Teo clarified that Indonesia's policy is not yet in effect, similar policies exist in the Philippines, and employers will be informed of any cost changes, with existing rules requiring fee transparency from agencies.
She noted that while the list of source countries is diverse, employer demand dictates usage, with low interest in some countries like Cambodia despite their approval since 2016.
The Ministry emphasized a multi-pronged approach, including household support schemes and alternative care services, to meet domestic needs beyond relying solely on FDWs.

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5 Apr 2021

Funding and Amounts Paid Out of Special Fund Used to Ensure No Foreign Worker is Denied Medical Care

Hazel Poa asked about a special fund used to ensure foreign workers receive medical care, specifically whether it is fully government-financed and the amount paid out for workers' medical bills when employers cannot pay.
Manpower Minister Josephine Teo stated employers are responsible for medical costs and must buy insurance covering at least $15,000 annually, which pays for about 95% of hospital bills for such workers.
In extenuating circumstances, the Ministry steps in to support cases where employers cannot pay, with an average of 25 employers and workers assisted yearly over the last three years, each averaging $29,000 in support.
The Ministry is reviewing medical coverage for migrant workers and will provide updates later.

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5 Apr 2021

Ratio of Singaporean IT Graduates in Employment Currently to Foreigners and Expected Number of Singaporean IT Students Graduating in One to Three Years' Time

The ratio of Singaporean IT graduates in employment to foreigners currently stands at about 70% local talent out of 200,000 Infocomm Technology professionals.
Over the next three years, around 22,000 Singaporean IT students are expected to graduate from Institutes of Higher Learning, supplemented by at least 6,250 from Continuing Education and Training programmes.
The government is expanding intake and investing in training to ensure Singaporeans secure quality IT jobs amid global competition.

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5 Apr 2021

Priority for COVID-19 Vaccination for Locum Nurses and Singaporean Construction Workers Working Closely with Foreign Workers

Mariam Jaafar asked whether locum nurses and Singaporean construction workers working closely with foreign workers should receive priority vaccination like frontline workers.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said priority is given to groups at higher risk of infection and settings with rapid transmission potential.
He confirmed that registered nurses not in public institutions, including those from private agencies and independently practising nurses, have been prioritized for vaccination.
He also stated that Singaporean construction workers in close contact with foreign workers will be given priority for vaccination.

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5 Apr 2021

Suspected Cases of Foreign Domestic Worker Abuse Flagged After Home-based Six Monthly Medical Examination

The debate focused on how suspected cases of foreign domestic worker abuse are flagged during home-based six-monthly medical examinations (6ME) and which doctor certifies the 6ME form.
The Minister for Manpower explained that the home-based 6ME service, introduced in 2018, involves healthcare personnel collecting blood samples at home, with results certified by a Singapore-registered doctor appointed by the service provider.
The Minister acknowledged that the certifying doctor does not personally examine the worker and that the system is being reviewed to strengthen protections for migrant domestic workers.
The review includes enhancing touchpoints such as employment agents, mandating off days, and increasing community vigilance to support workers and identify potential abuse.

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5 Apr 2021

Resolving Challenges Faced by Foreign Domestic Workers in Singapore

The Ministry of Manpower runs the Employer Orientation Programme and the Settling-in-Programme to educate first-time employers and foreign domestic workers on responsibilities, working conditions, and relationship management.
MOM provides access to helplines operated by itself and NGOs, and regularly gathers feedback from employers, NGOs, and employment agencies to address ground issues like miscommunication that lead to early contract termination.
Following stakeholder feedback, MOM partnered with the Centre for Domestic Employees and the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training to offer free dispute resolution services to help resolve conflicts and promote contract completion.
MOM is currently reviewing policies, including those on rest days, and plans to conduct consultations with stakeholders to better support and protect foreign domestic workers.

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5 Apr 2021

Impact of Transition to Low-carbon Emission Regime on Petrochemical Industries and Workers

Minister Chan Chun Sing stated that Singapore's Energy and Chemicals sector employed 27,000 workers in 2020, with 4,600 being work permit holders, and highlighted government studies on the low-carbon transition's implications.
The sector faces risks of downsizing or displacement if companies cannot decarbonise quickly, but it also offers opportunities by supplying materials for green technologies and aiding in carbon capture innovations.
The government is committed to supporting the sector's adaptation to become globally competitive and energy-efficient, aiming to sustain good employment opportunities for Singaporeans amid the transition.

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8 Mar 2021

Measures to Prevent Abuse of Foreign Domestic Workers

The Ministry of Manpower outlined a three-pronged approach to protect foreign domestic workers, including educating employers through programs like the Employers' Orientation Programme, conducting check-ins with workers via the Centre for Domestic Employees, and enhancing legal penalties for abuse under the Penal Code.
The Ministry is reviewing measures to strengthen support, such as enhancing one-on-one interviews for newly arrived workers, improving doctors' ability to report suspected abuse, and expanding outreach by partner organizations like CDE and FAST.
Concerns were raised about doctors' legal obligations to report abuse, screening employers for red flags, and providing ways for workers without phones or day off to report abuse, with the Ministry noting ongoing reviews and current practices like native-language interviews.
A member highlighted the need to balance employer interests against false accusations, emphasizing better matching, communication, and investigation to resolve disputes between employers and domestic workers.
Additional suggestions included mandating employment agencies' responsibilities throughout employment and incorporating mental health checks and counseling for workers, which the Ministry indicated it would consider.

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8 Mar 2021

Cases of Employers Repatriating Injured Migrant Workers against Their Will

The Ministry of Manpower stated that employers are legally responsible for migrant workers' medical costs and cannot repatriate injured workers until they are medically fit, with only two cases of illegal repatriation reported in the last five years.
There are multiple channels for workers to report issues, including a hotline, the FWMOMCare app, NGOs, and dormitory operators, with education provided in native languages through the Settling-In-Programme.
The requirement for a letter of guarantee in non-emergency cases is being reviewed to improve access to treatment, though hospitals currently use it to ensure payment capability.
MOM is reviewing medical insurance coverage to better manage large medical bills, with plans to enhance medical screening and underwriting, aiming to finalize this in the second half of the year.
For the 5% of cases exceeding the $15,000 insurance threshold, a special fund exists to ensure no worker is denied necessary care.

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