Singapore has attracted a lot of talent from all around the world being a global economic hub, making it a popular destination for skilled foreign individuals. Also, it is one of the most vigorous and flourishing economy of the Asia. The skilled foreign workers who are seeking a job opportunity in Singapore or a Singapore employer who is looking to hire skilled foreign workers, Singapore work permit can be the game changer for them. Understanding Singapore work permit is the first and the most crucial step to start your journey.

This bog will guide you to make you fully understand about all the requirements, eligibility criteria, and application process of the Singapore work permit.

What is a Singapore Work Permit?

Singapore work permit is issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), which is basically a kind of an employment pass that allows the foreigner workers to come and work in various sectors in Singapore. It is normally for the semi-skilled and unskilled foreign labor in certain industries such as in construction, marine, process, manufacturing and services.

The Singapore work permit is mainly for the blue-collar workers unlike the Employment pass which is primarily issued to the international professionals, executives and managers, or the S pass which is specifically for the mid-skilled workers.

Popular Types of Work Permit in Singapore

Singapore offers several types of work permits, mainly depending on the sector and candidate’s nationality. Here are some of types of Singapore work permit:

1. General Work Permit: General work permit is one of the most popular work permits of Singapore and it is specifically issued to international workers in sectors like manufacturing, construction, etc.

2. Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Permit: The FDW permit is issued to the foreign domestic workers who are employed in Singapore to execute tasks like caregiver and housekeeping in private households.

3. Work permit for performers: It is issued to the international entertainers or performers who will be coming to Singapore for temporary events.

4. Work permit for Construction workers: It is particularly for the foreigner workers who are employed in the Construction sector.

Each of the above type of Singapore Work permit has their specific requirements and eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for Singapore Work Permit

Here is the list of some of the common eligibility criteria for the Singapore Work Permit:

1. For the Employers

If you are an employer who is applying for a Singapore work permit on behalf of their foreigner employee, they have to meet specific criteria:

• Registration of the Business: The employers should have registered their business with the Registry of Societies (ROS) in Singapore or the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
• Foreigner Worker Quota: The employers of Singapore have to stick to the rule of Foreigner worker quota, which puts a restriction on the employer and they can only hire limited number of foreign workers to work in their company. The quota depends on the sector and the size of the company.
• Security Bond: The employers have to give a security bond for every international worker hired by them. The security bond is refundable if all the terms and conditions are met during the foreigner worker’s stay in Singapore.
• Wage and Work Conditions: The employer should always provide standard salary and work conditions to the foreign employees. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore ensures that all the foreigner workers gets protection against any kind of exploitation.

2. For workers

The foreigner workers seeking to get a Singapore work permit has to meet certain eligible criteria:

• Age: The age of the foreign worker should be between 18 years to 50 years. Although it may be possible that some industries have different age criteria for their employees.
• Nationality: The foreigner worker should come from an eligible country accepted under MOM. Singapore has made certain agreements with different countries making it easier for the individuals from those countries to come, work and receive a Singapore work permit.
• Skills and Work Experience: While there are some work permits in Singapore that are generally for the semi-skilled and unskilled individuals, the candidate must prove that they have training or relevant work experience in the sectors they will be working.
• Job Type: The foreigner worker should get hired for a job position that is eligible for the Singapore work permit. This does not include highly skilled job positions that need an Employment pass or S pass.

Application process for the Singapore Work Permit

Step 1: Application process by the Employer

Initially, before commencing the application process, the employer should make sure that their business is registered and is qualified to hire foreign workers under the Singapore work permit scheme. The employer should meet all the eligibility criteria set by the Ministry of Manpower.

Step 2: Worker’s Eligibility evaluation

Once an employer selects the foreigner worker to employ in their company, they should make sure that the worker meets all the eligibility criteria set for the work permit. It is inclusive of factors such as age, nationality, skills, work experience, etc.

Step 3: Work Permit Application Submission

The employer can apply for the Singapore work permit for their employee online on the MOM’S work permit system. The MOM system allows the employers to submit the work permit application directly to the Ministry of Manpower. To complete the Singapore work permit application, employer will need the following information:

• The employer will need their business registration number.
• The employer will be required to fill the personal information of the foreigner employee such as their passport number, employment details, nationality, etc.
• The employer has to fill all the details of job including employment term, salary and work conditions.

It generally takes 3 to 5 days to review and process the application by MOM. If the employer needs to provide any additional information or document, they get notified about it by the officials.

Step 4: Work Permit Approval

After the approval of the application, the employer will be sent an email informing about the work permit issuance.

Step 5: Entry into Singapore

After the issuance of work permit, the foreigner worker has to travel to Singapore and has to go through a medical examination, biometric registration.

Step 6: Work Permit Card Issuance

After all the compulsory formalities, the worker will get a physical work permit card. Work permit card is an official document which confirms that the foreign worker is legally employed in the industry of Singapore.

Can Sernexuss help in process of Singapore work permit?

Yes, Sernexuss can help you with the complete process of Singapore work permit. Sernexuss can offer you a smooth and effective application process increasing your chances of success rate. We have thousands of clients who are satisfied with our services. We make sure to provide all the services promised by us.

Start your Singapore work permit application process today. Apply now!