Application to convert workplaces to Temporary Living Quarters (TLQ)

How to apply

Employers seeking to convert your workplaces (factory or office space) to TLQs to house your foreign workers must make an application first.

To apply:

1. Download and complete Form A – Checklist for TLQ, and embed all required photographs within.
2. Apply online and attach the completed “Form A – Checklist for TLQ”.

You must submit one application per address.

For multi-tenanted units, each unit will be considered one address.

Do not combine multiple unit numbers into one address as the application will be rejected.

If you have previously submitted a declaration for a TLQ, you do not need to submit an application for the same TLQ.

However, if you would like to increase the maximum capacity of your TLQ, you must get MOM’s permission online.

Requirements

As an employer, you must ensure that:

• All conditions in Form A – Checklist for TLQ are met, if applicable.
• You must not falsely declare any detail in your application.
• Your workers must consent to stay at the TLQ.
• The cost of converting the TLQ is not passed on to the workers.
• Your workers are medically fit before they are housed at the TLQ.
• You update OFWAS with your workers’ new addresses once they have moved to the TLQ. Please ensure that the address registered in OFWAS is exactly the same as the approved TLQ.
  
  
  Your TLQ approval may be cancelled if you fail to update OFWAS or if the address used does not match the address of the approved TLQ.
• The TLQ remains safe and clean throughout the duration of the conversion. There must be no hazards (e.g. dangerous equipment, flammable substances) within the sleeping area.
• Occupants live in acceptable conditions, for example:
  • Each worker should be provided proper beds (no cardboards or canvas sheets as beds).
  • The sleeping area is adequately ventilated.
  • Workers must have access to clean toilets and shower areas.
  • There are proper places to dry laundry away from sleeping area.
  • Workers are provided with adequate and appropriate storage space, including a secure place for items of value.
  • There are sufficient electrical points provided.

NEA’s conditions

NEA has temporarily allowed TLQ premises to be situated within health and safety (H&S) buffer areas. This waiver is a one-off and does not set the precedence to allow TLQ to be located within H&S buffers after the COVID-19 period.

You should ensure these conditions are met:

• Where possible, you should carry out a risk assessment to identify the furthest location within their plant to site the TLQ away from any large storage of hazardous materials.
• You should also comply with NEA’s general conditions on provisions of sanitary facilities and refuse collection / disposal:
  • The provision of sanitary facilities (i.e. water closet, urinal and wash hand basin) should be sufficient based on the dormitory occupation capacity. Use the Code of Practice on Environmental Health (COPEH) as a guide.
  • You should ensure that refuse generated is properly collected, disposed of and not cause public hygiene issue. Use the Code of Practice on Environmental Health (COPEH) as a guide.
  • If the permanent sanitary facilities provided are not sufficient, you should supplement with temporary / portable toilets and showers. If both permanent and temporary / potable facilities provided are not sufficient, you should implement staggered timing to ensure that the workers have proper access to the sanitary facilities.
  • Comply with the checklist for environmental management within dormitories amidst tightened measures for COVID-19.

What can be converted

Employers can convert workplaces (factory or office space) in the following areas:

• Land zoned in Business 1 / Business 2 and Business Parks.
• Site offices at construction sites to TLQs.
• Addition of new modules (containers or partitions) to existing construction temporary quarters (CTQs) at construction sites.

Private Residential Premises (PRPs), HDB flats, hotel rooms, holiday chalet units and similar short-term accommodation are not eligible for conversion into TLQs.

Temporary Occupancy License (TOL) land is not eligible for conversion into TLQs. If you wish to set up temporary housing on TOL land, you should submit a TOLQ application instead.

Length of use

The TLQ Scheme will end on 31 March 2021. All new and existing TLQs will be automatically extended to this date. You do not need to apply for an extension.

For JTC lessee or tenant

If you are a JTC lessee or tenant, please inform JTC of your new TLQ by email to jtc_temp_dorm@jtc.gov.sg after you have received MOM’s approval.

Your email should include:

• A copy of Form A – Checklist for TLQ with all details filled in and photos embedded
• A copy of MOM’s approval
• Company name
• Company UEN
• Address of TLQ
• Number of workers housed at the TLQ

For employers who are JTC’s subtenants, you must obtain your building owner’s written consent before applying to MOM. The building owner’s written consent must be submitted to JTC when notifying them of MOM’s TLQ approval.

How to update details of TLQs

You can update details of TLQs online, such as:

• Make corrections to typos in submitted application form, e.g. wrong postal code, etc.
• Apply for MOM’s approval to increase or decrease the maximum capacity of TLQ.
• Notify MOM that TLQ has ceased operation.

Enquiries