Manufacturing Sector: Work Permit Requirements

Roger Pay
Apr 30, 2025
4 min read

Manufacturing Sector: Work Permit Requirements

Singapore Manufacturing Work Permit Rules

The Work Permit is for semi-skilled migrant workers from approved countries to work in specific sectors in Singapore. For the manufacturing sector, there are specific requirements that employers and employees must meet.

Eligibility for Employers in the Manufacturing Sector:

Your company must have a valid factory notification or registration.
Your primary business activity should involve using machinery to manufacture or produce items from raw materials. Simple assembly of ready-made parts, bulk-breaking, basic modification, sole printing, repair and maintenance, testing or quality control, and packing or repacking are also considered manufacturing activities.
Your operations must be in a designated industrial setting area.
For food processing companies, a valid Singapore Food Agency (SFA) license to operate a food processing establishment or slaughterhouse is required.
You should not deploy Work Permit holders to work in retail or food and beverage settings under this sector's work permit. A separate services account is needed for such deployments.

Eligibility for Employees in the Manufacturing Sector:

Age:
- Malaysian workers must be below 58 years old when applying.
- Non-Malaysian workers must be below 50 years old when applying.
- The maximum age for all Work Permit holders in this sector is 60 years old. However, from July 1, 2025, the maximum age for new non-domestic migrant worker applicants will be raised to 61 years old.
Source Country/Region: You can hire foreign workers from Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Maximum Period of Employment:
- For workers from the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Non-Traditional Sources (NTS)*:
  - Basic-skilled (R2): 14 years
  - Higher-skilled (R1): 22 years
- For workers from North Asian Sources (NAS)** and Malaysia: No maximum period of employment.
- Important Note: From July 1, 2025, the maximum period of employment will be removed for all nationalities.
Qualifications and Skills: Depending on the worker's source country and skill level, specific academic or skills evaluation certificates might be required. Examples include Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) for Malaysians, high school certificates for NAS, and diplomas or Skills Evaluation Test (SET) certifications for PRC workers.
Settling-in Programme (SIP): First-time non-Malaysian Work Permit holders in the manufacturing sector must attend the SIP before their Work Permits can be issued. This program helps them understand Singapore's culture and laws.
Safety Courses: Migrant workers handling metals and machinery in the metalworking industry must complete specific safety courses like the Metalworking Safety Orientation Course (MSOC) or Apply Workplace Safety and Health in Metal Work before their Work Permits are issued. They may also need to retake these courses periodically during their employment.

Quota and Levy:

The number of Work Permit holders you can employ is subject to a quota based on the number of local employees and a levy, which is a pricing mechanism to regulate the inflow of foreign workers. Levy rates vary depending on the worker's skill level and the proportion of foreign workers in your company's workforce. Higher-skilled workers (earning at least $1,600 monthly and with at least 4 years of Work Permit experience in Singapore, or those with specific qualifications) typically attract a lower levy.

Other Important Requirements:

Security Bond: For non-Malaysian workers, employers usually need to furnish a security bond.
Medical Insurance: Employers must provide medical insurance with a minimum coverage of $15,000 per year for each Work Permit holder.
Medical Examination: Workers must undergo a medical examination before their Work Permit is issued and periodically thereafter.
Salary Payment: Salaries must be paid on time and in full, at least once a month and no later than 7 days after the last day of the month.

It is crucial to refer to the official website of the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for the most up-to-date and detailed requirements, as regulations can change.

Note: Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) currently include Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos will be added to this list from June 1, 2025. *North Asian Sources (NAS) include Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan.

How Bestar can Help

Bestar (bestar-sg.com) is a professional services firm offering a wide range of solutions, including:

Company Incorporation Services: We can assist manufacturing companies in setting up their operations in Singapore, which is a prerequisite for hiring foreign workers under Work Permits.
HR & Payroll Services: This includes services related to managing employees, including the administration of Work Permits, payroll for foreign workers, and ensuring compliance with local labor laws.
Employment Pass Application: While Work Permits are for semi-skilled workers, manufacturing companies also employ professionals on Employment Passes. Bestar can assist with these applications.
Corporate Secretarial Services: We can help with the necessary regulatory filings and compliance related to employing foreign workers.
Tax Advisory & Compliance: Ensuring correct tax treatment for foreign workers and the company is crucial. Bestar can provide guidance on this.
HR Advisory: We could offer advice on best practices for managing a diverse workforce, including Work Permit holders.

How Bestar can help with Work Permit requirements: Bestar assists manufacturing companies by streamlining the administrative processes related to hiring foreign workers, ensuring compliance with MOM regulations, and providing expert advice on managing a foreign workforce. We can handle the paperwork, keep companies updated on regulatory changes, and help avoid potential pitfalls.

If you are looking for assistance with the administrative and regulatory aspects of hiring foreign workers, Bestar (bestar-sg.com) can help with Work Permit requirements in the manufacturing sector. We offer services that can significantly ease the burden of navigating Singapore's Work Permit system for manufacturing companies.