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].
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