New Settling-in Programme for foreign workers to start in second half 2018

1. Minister for Manpower, Mr Lim Swee Say announced plans to implement a mandatory Settling-in Programme (SIP) for new foreigners on work permit. The programme, to be rolled out in phases, will start with all first-time non-Malaysian foreign workers in construction sector, and is expected to be launched in the second half of 2018. Mr Lim was speaking at an appreciation dinner organised by MOM for more than 300 partners comprising employers, dormitory operators, non-government organisations (NGOs), employment agency representatives and Foreign Worker Ambassadors.
2. Similar to the current mandatory SIP for first-time foreign domestic workers, this mandatory programme will educate newly arrived foreign workers on employment regulations, Singapore laws and social norms, as well as avenues of help (Annex A).
3. In 2016, MOM conducted a pilot programme with close to 1,900 foreign workers to ascertain the programme’s effectiveness.
4. Commenting on the pilot programme, Mr Kenneth Loo, Executive Director of Straits Construction Singapore Pte Ltd said, “We find this programme beneficial for both foreign workers and employers. It helps them adapt to working and living in Singapore by learning about the laws, regulations, and social norms. We sent 26 foreign workers to the pilot programme and we saw positive behaviour in the workers. As an employer, a worker who is aware of his responsibilities is more productive and can better communicate with us.”
5. More details will be released at a later date.