The Ministry of Manpower (MOM), in collaboration with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), will be expanding the temporary scheme they introduced on 25 February 2020 to help more firms hire existing Work Permit Holders (WPH) here in Singapore.
The temporary scheme is meant to help firms in the manufacturing and services sectors better manage their manpower needs in view of the on-going COVID-19 situation.
Under the six-month temporary scheme, which started on 2 March 2020, firms in these sectors can hire existing PRC Work Permit holders (WPHs) with the agreement of their employers, without the workers having to leave Singapore.
From 1 April 2020, the scheme will be expanded to allow inter-sectoral transfer of foreign workers for all sectors.
What this means is that firms in all sectors can hire existing WPHs (who are in Singapore) from other sectors, with the agreement of their current employers.
The expansion will also allow for transfers of foreign workers whose work permits are within 40 days of expiry for all sectors.
Hiring firms will be required to meet the prevailing criteria under their respective sectors. This temporary scheme will be in place till 31 August 2020.
For inter-sectoral transfers (earlier than 40 days before work permit expiry), firms can approach SBF at manpowerconnect@sbf.org.sg or visit their website for more information.
For transfers of WPHs from 40 days before work permit expiry (including inter-sectorial transfers), firms can submit theire request via an online form or visit MOM's website for more details.
