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
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.
Blog post
This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.
Awards
Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.
Awards
Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.
Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.
Blog post
Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.
Blog post
This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.
Awards
Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.
Awards
Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.
Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.
Blog post
Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.