Work Permit Holders to be Subject to Mandatory Settling-In Program

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Executive Summary

Starting the second half of 2018, new Work Permit holders will be required to attend a mandatory Settling-In Programme, which is currently only mandatory for foreign domestic workers. Employers will be responsible for registration and course fees. 

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The situation

Starting the second half of 2018, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will require new Work Permit (WP) holders to attend a mandatory Settling-In Programme (SIP).  The exact date of implementation has not been announced, but MOM is expected to provide more details as the time for implementation nears.

A closer look

Details on the mandatory SIP include:

• Application to all industries. Work permit holders in all industries and sectors will be required to attend an SIP.
• Implementation in phases. Implementation of SIP will be in phases starting with new WP holders in the construction sector, and will be extended progressively to other sectors, such as marine, process, as well as manufacturing and services. 
• Fees. Employers will be responsible for registration and course fees. 
• Exemption for Malaysians. Malaysian WP holders will be exempt from the SIP requirement. 

 

Background

The SIP is aimed at helping new WP holders learn about Singapore's social norms and laws, to help them understand their employment rights and obligations and where and how they can seek help. 
This change is MOM’s response to ongoing issues of employers failing to pay their WP holders’ salaries and failing to compensate them for work-related injuries.

Currently, only foreign domestic workers are required to attend a SIP.

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].