Foreign worker Settling-In Programme extended to Marine, Process and Manufacturing sectors from December 2019

1. The Foreign Worker Settling-In Programme (SIP) will be extended to cover all first time non-Malaysian Work Permit holders in the Marine, Process and Manufacturing sectors from December 2019, in addition to those in the Construction sector.
2. Since October 2018, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has appointed the Migrant Workers Centre (MWC) to conduct the SIP for first time non-Malaysian Work Permit holders in the Construction sector. More than 5,000 foreign workers attended the classroom-based orientation programme in the past six months from October 2018 to March 2019 (programme details in Annex).
3. The SIP has received positive feedback from both workers and employers. Majority of the workers found the course to be useful and beneficial, as it educated them on their employment rights and responsibilities.  The employers surveyed were also supportive of sending their workers to the SIP, as the programme highlighted the importance of local practices and social norms among the workers.   
4. Commenting on the extension of the SIP, Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad said, “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, starting with Marine, Process and Manufacturing by the end of this year.  Besides legislation and enforcement, education remains key to safeguarding the interest of foreign workers in Singapore.” 
5. Chairman of the MWC Mr Yeo Guat Kwang noted the importance of the SIP creating a good support network for foreign workers working here.  He said, “We have noticed that many of the participants made friends during the course, which helped them to build up 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.  Our SIP trainers are also trained in case handling, which enabled them to deliver the training in a more relatable manner, using real cases as references.”