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Advisory to employers - Updated onboarding requirements for migrant workers in the Construction, Marine shipyard and Process sectors

Issued on 25 March 2022
Updated on 30 June 2022

  1. The Multi-Ministry Taskforce announced on 24 March 2022 that the current country / region classifications will be removed and will be replaced by Vaccinated Travel Framework (VTF) with effect from 31 March 2022, 2359 hours. Under the VTF, countries / regions will be classified either under the General Travel or Restricted Category. All countries / regions will come under the General Travel Category to begin with, and no countries / regions are in the Restricted Category currently.

    Onboarding requirements for Work Permit holders in the Construction, Marine Shipyard and Process (CMP) sectors
  2. From 1 May 2022, all non-Malaysian male Work Permit holders from the CMP sectors and holding an IPA will undergo the residential onboarding programme at the Onboard centre for up to 4 days.
  3. Employers are required to use the Onboard booking system to secure the onboarding slots, at least 4 days prior to the workers' intended date of arrival. As the workers should go to the Onboard centre on the day they arrive in Singapore, employers are advised to secure an onboarding slot first before confirming the workers' flight arrangements. There is no longer a need to apply for entry approvals before the workers come into Singapore.
  4. S Pass and existing Work Permit holders in the CMP sectors will not be required to report to the Onboard centre upon arrival.
  5. For further queries, please contact us at .

Frequently asked questions

  1. How do I find out if my workers are from countries / regions under the General Travel or Restricted category?

    There are currently no countries / regions under the Restricted category.

  2. What do I do when my workers arrive in Singapore?

    Please arrange transport to pick up your migrant workers immediately upon clearing immigration at the port of entry. If you have arranged for lorries or vans to pick up your workers from Changi Airport terminals 1 or 3, you may wish to pick up your workers from the T1 or T3 coach stand.

    • For all non-Malaysian male Work Permit holders holding an IPA, you will need to send workers directly to the designated Onboard centre.
    • For vaccinated S Pass holders and existing Work Permit holders, you should send them to their intended place of residence.
  3. What will my migrant workers do when they go to the Onboard centre?

    All non-Malaysian male Work Permit holders holding an IPA in the CMP sectors will go to the Onboard centre for the residential onboarding programme, including vaccination verification, enhanced medical examination, Settling-In Programme, and vaccination if required.

    Vaccinated Work Permit holders holding an IPA will also be administered an Antigen Rapid Test (ART) upon check-in to the Onboard centre.

  4. When will I be able to pick up my migrant workers from the Onboard centre?

    For workers who will be reporting to the Onboard centre, they can move into their intended residence after completing their onboarding requirements. The Onboard centre's managing agents will send you an email on the arrangements to pick up your workers.

    Please arrange transport and lodging for your workers after their stay at the Onboard centre. Check out timings should be strictly adhered to. Late check-outs or overstaying may incur additional charges, to be billed to your company.