
Executive Summary
Starting November 17, 2017, employers must register their foreign workers' mobile phone numbers with the Ministry of Manpower's Online Foreign Worker Address Service to obtain or renew a Work Permit.
The situation
More employee information required for work permit issuance
A closer look
- Starting November 17, 2017, employers must register their foreign workers' mobile phone numbers with the Ministry of Manpower's Online Foreign Worker Address Service (OFWAS) to obtain or renew a Work Permit (WP).
- Employers must update the system if there are changes to the address or phone number within five days of such change. Failure to do so can result in the employer's prosecution and ban from WP applications or renewals.
Background
This change has been made to allow authorities to contact WP holders during emergencies.
WPs are used by semi-skilled foreign workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector. Currently, employers of WP holders are only required to register their employees' residential addresses with the OFWAS.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.