To engage migrant workers within the construction sector, specific criteria related to the worker’s origin, quota, and levy must be met. These prerequisites are tailored to the construction industry and complement general Work Permit conditions and stipulations.
Eligibility of Migrant Workers
Employers may only recruit migrant workers who meet the criteria about their country or region of origin, age at the time of application, and maximum duration of employment.
Country or Region of Origin
Migrant workers can be sourced from the following countries or regions:
– Malaysia
– People’s Republic of China (PRC)
– Non-traditional sources (NTS):
– India
– Sri Lanka
– Thailand
– Bangladesh
– Myanmar
– Philippines
– North Asian sources (NAS):
– Hong Kong (HKSAR passport)
– Macau
– South Korea
– Taiwan
Age Requirement
The minimum age for all non-domestic migrant workers is 18 years old. Additionally:
– Malaysian workers must be below 58 years old.
– Non-Malaysian workers must be below 50 years old.
Maximum Employment Duration
In the construction sector, the maximum tenure for a worker under a Work Permit varies based on their origin:
– NTS, PRC Basic-Skilled (R2), including those with SEC or SEC(K) qualifications: 14 years
– NTS, PRC Higher-Skilled (R1), including those upgraded through various means: 26 years
– NAS, Malaysia (applies to all sectors): No maximum employment period, with a limit of working until 60 years of age.
Quota and Levy
Employers are subject to quotas and levies when hiring Work Permit holders. The quota, determined by the dependency ratio ceiling, dictates the number of foreign workers a company can hire relative to its local workforce.
As of January 1, 2024, levy rates are as follows:
– NTS Higher-Skilled: $500 monthly, $16.44 daily
– NTS Basic-Skilled: $900 monthly, $29.59 daily
– Malaysia, NAS, PRC Higher-Skilled: $300 monthly, $9.87 daily
– Malaysia, NAS, PRC Basic-Skilled: $700 monthly, $23.02 daily
– Off-site Construction Higher-Skilled: $250 monthly, $8.22 daily
– Off-site Construction Basic-Skilled: $370 monthly, $12.17 daily
Companies with contracts awarded or tender called before February 18, 2022, may utilize MYE quotas for hiring NTS workers at reduced levy rates until December 31, 2024, or project completion date.
Minimum Higher-Skilled Percentage
Construction companies must ensure that at least 10% of their Work Permit holders are Higher-Skilled (R1) before employing Basic-Skilled (R2) workers or renewing R2 permits.
Levy Bond
Employers must pay a levy bond per Work Permit holder under specific circumstances, including revoked permits due to unpaid levies or late levy payments.
Settling-in Programme and Safety Courses
Non-Malaysian construction workers must attend the Settling-in Programme (SIP) upon arrival or return to Singapore. Additionally, they must complete safety courses such as the Construction Safety Orientation Course (CSOC) to obtain their Work Permits.
*Aesperon Construction Safety Of Windows Course – the only BCA-approved Windows safety course in Singapore recognized as a Trained Window Installer (TWI).
Interview Requirements
Selected companies may be required to undergo interviews and submit documents related to their business operations to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Work Permit Application Process
Employers should adhere to a structured application process, including securing in-principle approval, purchasing security bonds and medical insurance, and fulfilling specific requirements based on contract award dates.
Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and consult BCA’s website for detailed guidelines on Work Permit applications within the construction sector.
