Written by Max Loong

Work permit (WP) holders in construction, marine shipyard and process (CMP) sectors whose permits are expiring this year will be allowed to renew their permits for up to two years even if they do not meet renewal criteria, as announced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Friday 13th August 2021

This includes WP holders who are reaching the maximum period of employment, or who are reaching the maximum employment age. Firms also do not need to maintain at least 10 per cent of their work permit holders as higher-skilled workers.

This is among a number of measures the Government is introducing to help companies retain workers in the CMP sectors, which are facing a manpower crunch due to COVID-19 border restrictions.

"With these measures in place, we hope to support firms in the CMP sectors to ease the immediate manpower concerns due to tighter border restrictions," said Manpower Minister Dr Tan See Leng

"Nevertheless, in the longer term, I seriously urge all firms, and I earnestly hope all of them will continue to transform their businesses, to reduce their manpower reliance, to tapping on technology and redesign the jobs to attract more locals."

He added that these are short-term measures and are meant to help fill gaps in certain industries for the time being.

Other Measures

From July, the validity of in-principle approvals (IPA) of all work pass holders, including those with Employment Passes, S Passes and Work Permits who are unable to enter Singapore due to border control measures, are to be extended by up to one year.

The Government will also partner with the Singapore Contractors Association Ltd (SCAL) to introduce a six-month retention scheme from 1^st September 2021 to 28^th February 2022 for experienced construction WP holders whose previous employment has been terminated.

Migrant workers with cancelled or expired work permits will be granted a 30-day stay if they wish to continue working in Singapore. SCAL will provide housing, food and other necessities while they search for employment. The worker will be able to stay in Singapore if he is able to secure a job. Otherwise, SCAL will arrange for the migrant worker’s return to his home country and will bear the cost of repatriation.

MOM will assess the effectiveness of this scheme together with industry associations and other stakeholders, before deciding if it can be introduced in other sectors.

Relief For CMP Sectors?

While these measures put forth by MOM provide much-needed relief for hiring managers in the CMP sectors, could this also signal a need for industry transformation to avoid over-dependence on the migrant workforce? 

What changes do you think would help to entice locals to take up more jobs in the CMP sector?