Singapore is known as the “Lion City.” Today, it’s one of the most visited cities, but it’s also the business city in the world. Well situated, with their infrastructures modernised and economy booming, it’s a hot hub for businessmen seeking an upward jump in their career. Of course, the first step for those wanting to work in the country is securing a valid work permit in Singapore. This article will guide you through the different requirements to get a Work Permit, who qualifies, and the benefits of working in this thriving city-state.
Overview of Work Permit in Singapore
A Work Permit is a document issued formally by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM). It means that such a foreigner is permitted to work in Singapore. Depending on the qualification, job, and industry, Singapore has various types of work passes, Work Permit (WP) for semi-skilled workers, S Pass for mid-level skilled employees and, lastly, Employment Pass (EP) for highly qualified professionals/executives.
The Work Permit in Singapore broadly targets semi-skilled workers coming under construction, manufacturing, marine, and services sectors. The term and conditions of the permit depend upon the nature of work and nationality. The employer needs to apply for the employees.
3 Types of Work Permits
1. Work Permit for Foreign Workers: This Singapore Work Permit is designed for semi-skilled workers in construction, manufacturing, services, marine shipyard, and process industries. Country-wise, not all of the citizens of all the countries are eligible for this permit. Some country’s citizens stand more chances of getting this work permit than others.
Eligibility criteria
- The country must be an approved country by the MOM for the particular industry the worker will be engaged in.
- They should be within the age range, and more often between 18 and 58 years.
- The applicant should meet requirements sector-specific-these encompass minimum educational qualifications and technical competencies.
- Fit accommodation to live set by MOM will be provided by the employer.
2. Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Workers (FDW): Singapore has utilised the maids, also referred to as foreign domestic workers, to supplement the needs of many houses for day-to-day running. The Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Workers allows women from the approved country, for instance, Indonesia and the Philippines, and Myanmar, among others, to work within houses in Singapore.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be female and between 23 and 50 years of age at the time of application.
- They should have more than eight years of formal education.
- The employer should be meeting the income threshold, thereby proving to hire and support a domestic worker.
- MOM will search the previous working records of the worker and general conduct in Singapore.
3. Work Permit for Performing Artists: This permit is specifically meant for foreigners working in some sectors referred to as public entertainment outlets, such as hotels, pubs, and nightclubs.
Eligibility Criteria
- The artist should be at least 18 years old.
- Their work must fall within the category of the Singapore government’s requirements on public entertainment.
- The entity at which the artist will be employed must have a valid Public Entertainment License.
General Conditions for Work Permit in Singapore
Work and the class of the worker for all, there are some general conditions that apply to all work permits in Singapore:
1. Employer Sponsorship
One of the major requirements to get a Work Permit in Singapore is Employer Sponsorship. Employers will have to apply for the permit and, at last, adhere to all MOM regulations. Furthermore, employers have to ensure a particular quota of foreign workers versus the industry that they operate in; this means that they cannot exceed the number of foreign workers in the quota.
2. Levy and Quota System
Levies and quotas are what govern the inflow of foreign workers. With demand varying in terms of sectors, qualifications and levels of skill, and the worker, according to the industry, employers pay a monthly foreign worker levy for every employee. For instance, take construction and manufacturing sectors with higher levy rates and quota limits compared to the services sector. Such a mechanism continues to ensure that Singapore places emphasis on the employment of locals but still makes room for foreign talents when needed.
3. Medical Examination
Before their work permit is approved, workers have to undergo a medical check-up by an ordinarily registered doctor in Singapore. This ensures that they are free from infectious diseases like tuberculosis, and otherwise fit for work. Periodic medical checks may also be required during their sojourn in Singapore.
4. Security Bond
Employers of foreign workers have to purchase a security bond especially for employees from non-traditional source countries. The security bond acts as a form of financial guarantee over the term of ensuring that the employer has abided by the work permit regulations in Singapore-by sending the worker back to his home country at the end of the contracted period.
5. Accommodation
For foreign workers who are semi-skilled and part of work such as construction or manufacturing, their employer has to make proper housing available. The kind of accommodation should be appropriate for safety and hygiene standards for the MOM. For instance, the workers cannot be staying in overcrowded dormitories when their employers are regularly inspected.
Application Procedure to get Work Permit in Singapore
Application process for a Work Permit in Singapore is conducted with several procedures. These procedures are generally undertaken by the employer.
Pre-Application
The application process starts once the employer has complied with the quota and levy requirements. The accommodation to be provided by the worker also needs to be made available along with medical check-ups.
Submission of Application
Submission of the Work Permit online through MOM’s portal takes place. It is done within 7 to 10 working days of application before the process of approval takes place.
In-Principle Approval (IPA)
After receipt of the application, MOM grants an IPA. The letter should be sent to the worker by the employer. Through this IPA, the worker can travel to Singapore, as long as they meet all the conditions set by MOM.
Post-Arrival Procedures
Once in the country, an employee should go for a medical check-up and apply for a Work Permit card at MOM. A work permit, typically, is valid for up to two years and thereafter renewable.
Renewal of Work Permit
The Singapore Work Permit is renewable if the criteria of MOM are still met between the employer and worker. Proceedings have to begin at least a month before its expiry date. Conditions of renewal include normal medical check-ups and satisfaction of not having exceeded the quota of foreign workers by the employer.
Cancellation of Work Permit
Should an employee get terminated or depart from the country, the employer shall have the responsibility to cancel the Work Permit. The cancellation process is done online, and within seven days of cancellation, the employee should return to his or her country of origin except if otherwise agreed upon on another job opportunity.
Advantages of Working in Singapore
Working in Singapore and getting a Work Permit in Singapore entails the following benefits:
1. High Standard of Living: Singapore provides a very good quality of life with excellent healthcare, education, and transport systems. Both a career and a life can be built there.
2. Cultural Diversity: Singapore is a multicultural country hosting different nationalities and cultures. It gives an interesting East-meets-West situation that is very rich in experimental & experiences at both the personal and professional levels.
3. Strong Job Market: As one of the biggest economies of Asia, Singapore has a very strong job market through various industries, ranging from finance to technology and from logistics to healthcare.
4. Career Advancement: There are many multinationals based in Singapore and hence Singapore has excellent prospects for career advancement. Foreign workers get the opportunities to work for international industry leaders and gain excellent international exposure.
5. Global Connectivity: Strategic location Singapore is a country strategically located and that will allow easy access to the other parts of Asia as well as other parts of the world. This makes it very convenient for professionals to have travelling opportunities because they often hold business travels from their workplaces.
Work Permit in Singapore, for any foreign worker must first obtain Employer-led processes for applying and strictly but clearly defined regulation to make sure that qualified, eligible workers reach the workforce of Singapore. Knowing what it takes to acquire a work permit, from the obligations that an employer needs to meet to the levy systems and medical checks, will get one geared up to hopefully make for a good career switch into Singapore.
