From December this year, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will extend the Foreign Worker Settling-In Programme (SIP) to cover all first-time non-Malaysian work-permit holders in the marine, process and manufacturing sectors.
The SIP is a structured one-day orientation programme to educate first-time foreign workers in Singapore. Its purpose is to equip them with knowledge of their employment rights, obligations, and laws to prevent them from unwittingly committing offences.
The programme also orientates foreign workers on Singapore’s local practices and social norms.
Since October 2018, the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) has been conducting the SIP for foreign workers in the construction sector.
More than 5,000 foreign workers have attended the classroom-based orientation programme in the last six months.
According to MOM, foreign workers and employers gave feedback that the course was useful and beneficial. Employers were also supportive of sending their workers to the SIP.
“Having seen how the SIP has been working well for the construction sector in the last six months, we are ready to extend it progressively to other sectors … Besides legislation and enforcement, education remains key to safeguarding the interest of foreign workers in Singapore,” said Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad.
MWC Chairman Yeo Guat Kwang also noted the importance of the SIP to create a good support network for foreign workers in Singapore.
“We have noticed that many of the participants made friends during the course, which helped them build their social support network in Singapore. More importantly, through the SIP, the migrant workers are assured that they can approach MOM or MWC for any assistance should they face any issues such as well-being and salary disputes while in Singapore,” said Mr Yeo.
MOM added that employers are reminded to enroll their foreign workers for the SIP before a work permit can be issued.
The SIP must be completed within 14 days of the workers’ arrival in Singapore.
