Immigration & foreign manpower — Topics

6 Jan 2020

Countries with Mutual Agreements with Singapore Allowing Residents to Work in Each Other's Country

Minister Chan Chun Sing explained that there is no exact count of Singaporeans working abroad due to the absence of reporting requirements, but they can work overseas under WTO agreements, FTAs, and MRAs/MOUs.
Singaporeans work abroad through three main channels: as intra-corporate transferees under WTO commitments, via specific visa arrangements like the H1B1 under the US-Singapore FTA, and through mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
Examples include the US-Singapore FTA allowing Singaporean professionals to work in the US, and an MRA enabling Singaporean chartered engineers to practice in the Netherlands.

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6 Jan 2020

Allocation of National Day Parade Tickets to Migrant Workers and New Citizens

Ms Yip Pin Xiu raised questions about allocating National Day Parade tickets to migrant workers and new citizens, considering their contributions and years of service in Singapore.
The Minister for Defence, Ng Eng Hen, explained that priority for ticket allocation remains with Singaporeans and Permanent Residents due to high demand exceeding capacity, while some previews are reserved for school children.
The government has expanded NDP capacity through additional previews, mobile columns, and fringe activities to include more people, including migrant workers, in the celebrations.

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6 Jan 2020

Private Estates with Concentrations of Particular Nationalities and Proposal for Ethnic Quotas for Private Estates

Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked which private estates have the highest concentrations of particular nationalities and whether ethnic quotas should be introduced for these estates to promote harmonious integration.
Minister Lawrence Wong noted that central private estates have higher non-citizen proportions due to proximity to workplaces, but such demographics shift frequently, making quotas complex to implement and potentially disruptive to the property market.
The Ministry is instead using urban planning strategies, such as injecting public housing in city centres and spreading jobs outside central areas, to diversify residential populations across Singapore.
Integration efforts are also being advanced through the National Integration Council and community initiatives to foster interactions between Singaporeans and foreigners in neighborhoods, workplaces, and public spaces.

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6 Jan 2020

Tackling Fault Line Formation from Immigration and Socio-economic Status Trends

The Government has built social cohesion through inclusive policies like ethnic integration in housing, national education, and shared public spaces to foster a unified Singapore identity despite diverse immigrant backgrounds.
It remains vigilant against fault lines from class and immigration issues by promoting lifelong learning, SkillsFuture, and programmes like KidSTART to maintain social mobility and address socio-economic gaps.
Whole-of-society efforts involving businesses, community groups, and individuals are key, with initiatives like UPLIFT, SGCares, and the National Integration Council supporting integration and mutual understanding between locals and foreigners.

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6 Jan 2020

Number of Malaysians Working in Singapore on Work Permits and Sectors They Work In

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked about the annual number of Malaysian workers on work permits over the past five years, their top three sectors, and the proportion commuting daily between Singapore and Malaysia.
Minister Josephine Teo stated that MOM does not release nationality-specific breakdowns of foreign workers, as it is not in Singapore's interest.
She noted that Malaysian workers are employed across all sectors, facilitated by work pass policies and sector-specific Dependency Ratio Ceiling controls.

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6 Jan 2020

New Jobs Filled by Singaporeans, PRs and Foreigners in Industries Covered by Industry Transformation Maps (ITMs)

Mr Pritam Singh asked for a breakdown of new jobs filled by Singaporeans, PRs, and foreigners in each Industry Transformation Map (ITM) sector, including data since the ITMs began.
The Minister of State for Manpower responded that employment changes in ITM sectors from 2015 to 2018 saw an increase of 39,300 Singapore Citizens and 8,600 PRs, alongside a decrease of 28,500 foreigners, excluding foreign domestic workers.
The government emphasized that medium- to long-term employment outcomes are more meaningful for assessing ITM impact and highlighted initiatives like Adapt and Grow that helped 93,000 locals transition into new jobs.

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5 Nov 2019

Extending Obligation of Employment Agencies to Refund 50% of Service Fee for Premature Termination of Contracts with Foreign Domestic Workers

Ong Teng Koon asked if the obligation for employment agencies to refund 50% of service fees for premature termination of foreign domestic worker contracts could be extended from six months to one year, and what other measures can reduce families' dependence on luck and repeated fees.
Mrs Josephine Teo highlighted that foreign domestic workers are vital for families, and the Ministry of Manpower has introduced measures to improve matching, including providing more information on FDWs' work experience from October 2020 and requiring agencies to offer a 50% refund for contracts ending prematurely within six months from October 2021.
The minister explained that six months is generally sufficient for employers to assess suitability, as most FDWs who stay beyond six months remain with their employers for over a year, and extending the refund period could unfairly penalize agencies and increase costs for employers.
Additional support includes free dispute resolution services through the Centre for Domestic Employees and Foreign Worker Association for Social Support and Training, with the new measures being rolled out progressively over two years to allow adjustment.
MOM will continue collaborating with the employment agency industry to enhance matching outcomes for employers and foreign domestic workers.

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5 Nov 2019

Waiver of Foreign Domestic Worker Levy for Families with Three or More Children Aged Under 16 Years

Ong Teng Koon proposed waiving the foreign domestic worker levy for families with three or more children under 16 to alleviate financial pressures and encourage larger families.
The government maintains that the concessionary levy of $60 per month already supports households with caregiving needs, and there are no plans for further reductions, citing sustainability concerns with FDW population growth.
Officials emphasized broader support measures for families, including enhanced Baby Bonus cash gifts, childcare subsidies, tax reliefs, and pre-school funding, which provide substantial aid especially for larger families.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary noted that many families already benefit from the concessionary levy, with 80% of employers paying the reduced rate, and highlighted alternative support like pre-school expansion and inter-generational household allowances.
The debate underscored balancing demographic goals with household affordability, with the government prioritizing targeted subsidies over blanket levy waivers.

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4 Nov 2019

Update on Introduction of Pilot Advance Placement Scheme for Foreign Domestic Workers

In 2016, MOM introduced the Advance Placement Scheme (APS) to speed up hiring for households with urgent caregiving needs, with 32 employment agencies currently participating and about 3,000 foreign domestic workers brought in annually under the scheme.
Of the FDWs brought in under APS, 90% are successfully matched with employers while the remaining 10% are sent home, and the scheme includes monitoring of agency performance and FDW placement outcomes.
The Eldercarer FDW Scheme, managed by AIC, specifically trains FDWs for eldercare and involves 55 agencies, with 15 agencies participating in both schemes to provide faster deployment options for households.
MOM selects APS agencies based on track record and training plans, progressively expands the number of participating agencies to meet demand, and regularly reviews the scheme to ensure effectiveness.

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4 Nov 2019

Plans to Promote Collaborative, Kind and Compassionate Working Relationship between Employers and Foreign Domestic Workers

The Ministry of Manpower is improving matching between employers and foreign domestic workers (FDWs) by providing more information on FDWs' past work experience, household details, and reasons for leaving previous employments.
Mandatory orientation and settling-in programmes for first-time employers and FDWs aim to foster mutual understanding, patience, and open communication.
Employment agencies and non-governmental organisations organize activities and award schemes to encourage positive relationships, while also offering dispute resolution services.
Recent surveys indicate high satisfaction among FDWs, and the ministry continues to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to promote healthy employer-FDW dynamics.

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4 Nov 2019

Foreign Domestic Worker Levy Concession for Families Caring for Persons with Cognitive Disabilities

Murali Pillai asked about the number of families with care recipients aged 16 to 64 with cognitive disabilities benefiting from the Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) levy concession and grant, and steps to reach out to eligible families.
The government provides two schemes: the FDW Levy Concession, allowing a reduced monthly levy of $60 for families caring for persons with disabilities needing at least one Activity of Daily Living (ADL) assistance, with about 2,300 such families benefiting as of September 2019.
Previously, the FDW Grant offered an additional $120 monthly cash payment for those needing at least three ADLs, benefiting 996 families; it was replaced in October 2019 by the Home Caregiving Grant, which provides $200 monthly for broader caregiving expenses.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development has publicized these schemes through Social Service Agencies, media reports, and online platforms to reach families who may benefit.

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4 Nov 2019

Permanent Residents Hired as Drivers by Private Hire Car Operators

Ang Hin Kee inquired about the number of private hire car operators employing Permanent Residents (PRs) as drivers and whether companies must advertise vacancies locally before hiring.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that only Singapore Citizens and PRs are eligible for the Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence, with PRs constituting just over 5% of such licence holders as of August 2019.
The Ministry of Manpower requires companies to advertise job vacancies on the national Jobs Bank before hiring Employment Pass holders, but PRs do not require a work pass to be employed.

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4 Nov 2019

Enhancing the Role of the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) to Tackle Workplace and Job Discrimination

Member Saktiandi Supaat proposed enhancing TAFEP by introducing company targets for older worker employment and certification for age-inclusive workplaces, while also suggesting stricter enforcement against companies that fail to localise their workforce and expanding the Capability Transfer Programme to support skills transfer from existing foreign employees.
Member Desmond Choo agreed on tackling age discrimination but cautioned against overly punitive measures, advocating instead for public naming of errant employers, longitudinal studies to detect biased practices, and rewarding companies that promote inclusive hiring through incentives like administrative green lanes.
Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad affirmed the government's multi-pronged approach through TAFEP and MOM, highlighting current measures like the Fair Consideration Framework and tripartite standards, while noting the importance of balancing anti-discrimination efforts with maintaining Singapore's business competitiveness and reviewing Employment Pass criteria as needed.

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7 Oct 2019

Foreign Instructors Conducting Classes as Work Pass Exempt Activity

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira inquired about the reasons for allowing foreign instructors to conduct classes without a Work Pass if no administrative work is done, why administrative tasks like setting assessments are excluded, and whether this exclusion can be waived to strengthen educational objectives.
The Ministry of Manpower explained that exemptions apply to short-term activities like workshops or seminars, as participants do not become part of the regular workforce, but not for permanent faculty roles involving administrative duties.
MOM requires Work Passes for foreign instructors in educational institutions if they perform administrative tasks such as setting and grading assessments, as these indicate more permanent employment.

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7 Oct 2019

Take-up Rate for Eldercarer Foreign Domestic Worker and Plans to Expand Scheme to Include People with Special Needs

The Eldercarer Foreign Domestic Worker Scheme, launched in November 2016, provides FDWs with basic eldercare training, and as of September 2019, 413 FDWs had been trained under the scheme.
Households can use the Caregivers Training Grant, an annual $200 subsidy per care recipient, to offset training costs for both eldercare and special needs care courses.
The CTG already covers courses for caring for persons with special needs, such as autism and intellectual disabilities, alongside eldercare training.
There is no explicit plan announced to expand the Eldercarer FDW Scheme specifically to include special needs training, as the CTG already supports such courses.
The debate highlights existing mechanisms to support FDW training for both eldercare and special needs care without a new scheme expansion.

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7 Oct 2019

Employer-related Benefits for Singaporean and Foreign Employees According to Employee Skill Level

The Minister noted that while over 90% of employers provide medical benefits to local employees, fewer than 4% offer portable benefits like additional MediSave contributions, with the Tripartite Workgroup recommending a shift to more flexible options like MediSave top-ups.
The government has incentivized portable benefits through enhanced tax deductions and raised MediSave contribution limits, while noting that the ageing workforce and duplicate coverage under MediShield Life make traditional Group Hospitalisation schemes less sustainable.
For foreign employees, employers of Work Permit and S Pass holders must cover medical costs and provide insurance of $15,000 annually, whereas Employment Pass holders typically receive healthcare benefits as part of their package but are not legally required to.

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7 Oct 2019

Citizenship Application Process for Foreign Baby or Child Adopted by Singaporeans

Darryl David asked about the process and timeline for a foreign baby or child adopted by a Singaporean to obtain Singapore citizenship, and K Shanmugam explained that Singaporeans can sponsor their legally adopted foreign child by submitting an online application to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority with documents like the child’s birth certificate and adoption papers.
The citizenship application process typically takes six to 12 months to complete, as stated by K Shanmugam.
K Shanmugam emphasized that successful adoption does not guarantee citizenship, as each application is assessed on criteria such as the applicant's circumstances, family situation, and government policies on marriage and parenthood.

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7 Oct 2019

Review of Screening Procedures for Foreign Domestic Workers Arriving in Singapore

Rahayu Mahzam questioned the need to review screening procedures for foreign domestic workers following recent Internal Security Act detentions and asked about enhancing employer awareness of radicalisation signs.
K Shanmugam stated that existing screening measures exist but cannot detect post-arrival radicalisation, emphasising the need for vigilance and cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies.
He highlighted the community's role, including employers, in identifying behavioral changes and extremist ideologies, and mentioned MHA-MOM collaboration on employer advisories and counter-terrorism training for workers.

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4 Sep 2019

Percentage of Foreigners Working in Online Food Delivery Industry

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired about the percentage of foreign workers in the online food delivery industry and whether jobs could be restricted to Singaporeans, while the Minister of State confirmed it is illegal for foreigners to work as self-employed delivery riders and detailed penalties under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.
The Minister of State reported that in April, two Malaysians were caught working illegally for food delivery and are under investigation, and he urged the public to report illegal workers to MOM.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah highlighted concerns about Malaysians on Malaysian-registered motorcycles delivering food and asked about enforcement and how residents can report such cases, to which the Minister of State explained penalties for both the illegal workers and Singaporeans who abet them.
When asked to publicize a contact number for reporting, the Minister of State suggested visiting the MOM website for the relevant telephone number.

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3 Sep 2019

Hiring of Male Domestic Workers

From 2013 to 2018, there were about 50 male foreign domestic workers (FDWs) in Singapore each year.
The main reason employers cited for hiring a male FDW was that a female FDW was unsuitable for specific care-giving needs, such as caring for a disabled, heavy-built, or medically special family member.
Most employers prefer female FDWs, but the Ministry of Manpower assesses male FDW applications case-by-case and allows flexibility in exceptional situations.

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