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FAQs on Change of Employer (COE) schemes

Employers can use these schemes to hire or transfer Work Permit holders already in Singapore.

Adjustments to COE requirements for all business sectors 

How long will the COE schemes be in place for?Show

Today, all Work Permit holders are allowed to transfer to another employer at any time while their Work Permit is valid if they have their current employer’s consent.

From 1 July 2022, Work Permit holders will be able to transfer to another employer, without the need for their current employer’s consent, during the 40 to 21 day window before their Work Permit expiry. This is applicable to all business sectors.

MOM will continue to review these COE schemes as and when needed. 

As of 1 July 2022, there may be Work Permit holders who have passed the 40-21 day window but wish to continue their employment in Singapore. Would they be able to transfer to a new employer?Show

Such workers may contact the MOM Contact Centre or approach the ACE officers assigned to their respective dormitories for assistance. 

How long will the Work Permit be valid be for a worker who is transferred to another employer?Show

The duration of a Work Permit is generally two years, subject to the validity of the worker’s passport, the security bond and the worker’s employment period, whichever is shorter. Business sectors that require prior approval (PA) will also be subjected to the duration of the prior approval.

There is a worker I wish to hire. How can I apply for the transfer?Show

For transfers within the respective sectors

More than 40 days to Work Permit expiry

Firms can submit their request via WP Online

Between 21 and 40 days (inclusive) to Work Permit expiry

Firms in the construction and process sectors can use WP Online to hire Work Permit holders within their respective sectors.

Firms in the marine shipyard, manufacturing and services sectors can submit their request to hire transfer workers via this online form. Agreement from the current employer is not needed.

Within 20 days to Work Permit expiry

Firms can submit their request to apply for pre-approval to hire an existing Work Permit holder with consent from the current employer.

Agreement from the current employer is required.

Note: All prevailing Work Permit criteria apply for all new applications.

Is this scheme also applicable to Malaysian Work Permit holders?Show

Firms are allowed to hire Malaysian Work Permit holders who are in Singapore, from any sector. Agreement from the current employer is not required. Hiring firm can continue to use WP Online to hire existing Malaysian Work Permit holders who are in Singapore.

What are the responsibilities of the current and new employer during the transfer of a migrant worker?Show

Please see the table below to find out the current and new employers’ responsibilities during the transfer of a migrant worker within their own business sector:

Work Permit (WP) status Who is responsible for worker's upkeep, maintenance and repatriation What you need to do next
Current employer New Employer Current employer New employer Current employer New employer
Live Approved   No action needed. You can get the WP issued one day after the current WP expires.
Expired Approved    No action needed. Get the WP issued now to avoid any overstaying fine. Submit a request if you need more time to get the pass issued. 
Expired IPA withdrawn or cancelled on or before the worker’s WP expires
  You may renew this WP if you have received the renewal notice. Otherwise, please send the worker home.
No action needed.
Expired IPA withdrawn or cancelled after the worker’s WP expires
  No action needed. You need to arrange to send the worker home.

Are there any fees involved in this scheme?Show

The hiring firm will need to submit a new Work Permit application. The current application fee of $35 per application applies.

What are the criteria to get an approval if I intend to hire a transfer worker?Show

All parties (i.e. existing employer, worker and new employer), must agree to the transfer arrangement, unless the worker’s Work Permit is expiring between 40 and 21 days (inclusive).

For all transfers, all other prevailing criteria under the respective sectors (e.g. dependency ratio ceiling, source country controls, maximum employment age, man-year-entitlement prior approval) will still apply.

Can I hire existing non-Malaysian Work Permit holders from other sectors?Show

You can only hire existing non-Malaysian Work Permit holders from your own business sector.