EA Alerts

Read the latest and past issues of EA Alerts for employment agencies.

EA Alerts 2023

Date	Topic	For	Title
April	Advisory	All EAs	Details of the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) Bonus Criteria
April	Policy	CL-non MDW EAs	Implementation of Enhanced Medical Insurance (MI) for Work Permit and S Pass Holders
March	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Employers are not allowed to retain their Migrant Domestic Workers' passports and work permits

EA Alerts 2022

Date	Topic	For	Title
December	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Upcoming new policy of at least one mandatory rest day for MDWs every month that cannot be compensated away
November	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Mandatory Post-Placement Checks on Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs)
August	Policy	All EAs	Reminder to comply with fair recruitment licence conditions
June	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Accurate declaration of household members for Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) work permit applications
June	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Mandatory post-placement checks for the Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) and their employers
May	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	From 1 July 2022, all Confinement Nannies must have a valid work permit before their Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) can be extended
May	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Validity of In-Principle Approval for Migrant Domestic Worker will be revised back to 3 Months
May	Advisory	MDW-placing EAs	Announcement of the Employment Agency Market Sensing Survey
May	Advisory	MDW-placing EAs	Ensure MDW's monthly salary are accurately declared to MOM
April	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Removal of pre-departure test requirements for fully vaccinated travellers arriving via air or sea checkpoints
April	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Reminder to conduct post-placement checks for all MDWs and their employers
April	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Cessation of testing requirements for MDWs / Confinement Nannies
April	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Implementation of service fee refund policy for MDW employers from 1 June 2022
March	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Launch of Vaccinated Travel Framework and updated border measures
March	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Demerit points imposed on EAs for failure to facilitate update of overseas vaccination records
March	Policy	MDWs-placing EAs	Extension of Vaccinated Travel Lanes and update to border measures
March	Policy	MDWs-placing EAs	Cessation of Rostered Routine Testing for fully vaccinated MDWs residing at large boarding houses, pre-deployment ART for all MDWs to continue
Feb	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Update to border measures announced on 16 February 2022
Feb	Advisory	MDW-placing EAs	Measure to inform EAs of MDWs who leave Singapore after contract completion
Feb	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Ensure proper accommodation for Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) serving Stay-Home-Notice (SHN)
Feb	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Update overseas vaccination records, complete 3-dose primary series regime for Sinovac or equivalent vaccine, and booster dose required to maintain fully vaccinated status
Jan	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Streamlined Healthcare Protocols For COVID-19 Cases and changes to border measures
Jan	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Extension of enhanced testing regime for Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) and removal of on-arrival test for non-VTL travellers

Date	Topic	For	Title
Dec	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Update to border measures, revised approach in managing Omicron cases and vaccination as a condition of work pass
Dec	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Recognition of Sinovac-CoronaVac as a 3-dose-primary series regime and exemption period for COVID-19 recovered persons to qualify for Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures (VDS)
Dec	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Border measures for Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) travellers
Dec	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Facilitating serology testing for newly arrived MDWs
Dec	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Revised protocols for travellers who test positive for COVID-19 or are identified as close contacts of COVID-19 cases
Dec	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Changes in border measures from 6 Dec 2021, 2359 hrs
Dec	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Changes in border measures from 1 and 2 Dec 2021, 2359 hrs
Nov	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Changes to border measures announced on 15 Nov 2021
Nov	Policy	All EAs	Sharing of Stay-Home Notice (SHN) and related COVID-19 tests costs between employers of transfer non-domestic work permit holders Annex A
Nov	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Changes in Border Measures from 11 Nov 2021, 2359 hrs
Nov	Policy	All EAs	New measures to support retention of WPHs in the CMP Sectors
Oct	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	New employment agencies licence conditions on post-placement checks for newly-placed MDWs and their employers Attachment A Attachment B
Oct	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Management of Ag+ Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) at Large Boarding Houses (BHs)
Oct	Advisory	MDW-placing EAs	New guides for enhancing MDW mental well-being
Oct	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Changes in border measures from 26 Oct 2021, 2359hrs
Oct	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	Entry approvals for Migrant Domestic Workers – Application process and entry requirements for Vaccination and Pre-departure test
Oct	Advisory	MDW-placing EAs	EAs to facilitate COVID-19 Vaccination for Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) and conduct of Pre-deployment ART
Oct	Advisory	MDW-placing EAs	Reduced Stay-Home Notice duration from 14 to 10 days
Oct	Advisory	MDW-placing EAs	Ensuring suitable accommodation for a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW)
Sep	Advisory	All EAs	Pre-deployment Antigen Rapid Test (ART) For Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) and confinement nannies
Sep	Advisory	Non-MDW-placing EAs	Regular Antigen Rapid Test (ART) for staff
Sep	Policy	MDW-placing EAs	New Employment Agencies Licence Conditions for the sharing of SHN and related COVID-19 tests costs between MDW employers
Sep	Advisory	MDW-placing EAs	EAs to facilitate COVID-19 vaccination for Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs)
Aug	Advisory	MDW-placing EAs	COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test for Staff and MDWs
Aug	Advisory	Non-MDW-placing EAs	COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test for Staff
Jun	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Advertise Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) transfer services responsibly
Jun	Policy	FDW-placing EAs	Reduction of Stay-Home Notice (SHN) period at dedicated facilities for travellers from higher risk-countries/regions
Jun	eServices	FDW-placing EAs	New authorisation process for FDW eService transactions performed from 1 July 2021
May	Policy	FDW-placing EAs	Further Rescheduling of Entry of Work Pass Holders
May	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	MOM is Stepping Up Checks
Mar	Policy	FDW-placing EAs	Notifying MOM for FDWs working at another address
Feb	Policy	CL (All) EAs	Change in FDW and confinement nanny application process
Jan	Policy	FDW-placing EAs	Take active steps to bring FDWs into Singapore safely

Date	Topic	For	Title
Dec	Policy	All EAs	Employers must buy 14-day COVID-19 medical insurance of at least $10,000 for FDWs, confinement nannies, Work Permit, Training Work Permit and S Pass holders entering Singapore from 1 January 2021 Attachment: Annex A Annex B Related: FAQs on entry approvals and SHN requirements for foreign employees FAQs on claims, benefits and insurance for COVID-19 treatment
Dec	Policy	All EAs	Resumption of processing of new Work Permit and S Pass applications
Dec	Policy	FW-placing EAs	Notification to EAs on inclusion of additional KETs in IPA letter for foreign workers Attachments: FAQs on additional KETs
Nov	Policy	All EAs	Be responsible in facilitating transfer of workers to new employers
Nov	Policy	All EAs	Do not falsely declare in work permit applications Attachments: Rules on change of employer
Sep	Policy	All EAs	Revised submission requirements for the quarterly EA returns Attachments: Referral returns template FAQs on the new Fair Recruitment requirements
Sep	Policy	FDW-placing EAs	Enhancement to the FDW eService’s cancellation page Attachments: Additional EALC for EAs during transition period of FDW
Aug	Policy	FDW-placing EAs	Removal of FDW employer’s name and address from Work Permit card
Aug	Policy	All EAs	Ceasing of hardcopy banker's guarantee discharge letters for employment agencies
Jul	Policy	FDW-placing EAs	Resumption of FDW SIP and classroom EOP
June	Policy	All EAs	Revisions to the Employment Agencies Licence Conditions (EALC) Attachments: FAQs on the new Fair Recruitment requirements
May	Policy	FDW-placing EAs	Facilitating the transfer of FDWs by EAs Attachments: Additional EALC for EAs during transition period of FDW FAQs or notification on facilitating transfer of FDWs by EAs
Mar	Policy	FDW-placing EAs	EAs’ role in informing FDW employers about mandatory FDW interviews
Feb	Policy	All EAs	SHN requirements for employers with new and returning work pass holders from mainland China
Feb	Policy	All EAs	Requirements for employers with new and returning work pass holders from mainland China

Date	Topic	For	Title
Dec	Policy	All EAs	Amendments to EALC from 11 December 2019 Attachment: FAQs for amendments to EALC
Dec	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	FDW age verification – Important steps to comply with
Dec	eServices	All EAs	eServices maintenance from 2pm, 14 December 2019 to 2am, 16 December 2019
Nov	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	New ATPs for FDW EOP from 1 January 2020 Related: EOP
Oct	Policy	FDW-placing EAs	New measures to help employers hire FDWs for a better match Related: Press release
Sep	Advisory	FW-placing EAs	Extension of foreign worker SIP to marine shipyard, manufacturing and process sectors on 1 December 2019 Related: SIP for Work Permit holders
Sep	eServices	FDW-placing EAs	Use the FDW eService to ask for a handover period Related eService: Work permit transactions for domestic helpers and confinement nannies
Sep	Policy	FDW-placing EAs	Extension of FDW levy concession from 1 September 2019 Related: Levy concession for FDW
Aug	Advisory	All EAs	Things to note for work pass card registration at MOM Services Centre
Jul	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	FDW insurance – things to take note Related: Insurance requirements for FDWs
Jul	Advisory	All EAs	Educating Work Permit holders on money management and facilitating self-exclusion Attachment: List of VWOs which work with work pass holders in debt
May	Advisory	All EAs	Notice to employment agencies to declare EAs’ affiliation by 1 July 2019 Attachment: FAQs on declaration of affiliation
Apr	Advisory	All EAs	Responsibility of EAs in ensuring FWs and FDWs receive full set of IPA prior to departure from source country
Feb	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	FDW to attend SIP with full set of IPA Related: SIP for first-time FDWs
Jan	Advisory	All EAs	Register eligible foreign workers for foreign worker Settling-in Programme within 14 days of arrival Related: SIP for Work Permit holders Register for SIP at MWC website

Date	Topic	For	Title
Dec	Advisory	All EAs	Early registration of eligible foreign workers for the foreign worker Settling-in Programme – Reminder Related: SIP for Work Permit holders in construction sector Register for SIP at MWC website
Oct	Advisory	All EAs	Adopt the Tripartite Standard on Recruitment Practices and distinguish yourself as a fair employer Attachments: Annexes FAQs Related: Tripartite Standard on Recruitment Practices
Oct	Advisory	All EAs	Insensitive advertisements
Sep	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Advisory to EAs on insensitive advertisements Related: Press release Advisory to EAs on insensitive advertisements (2016) Advisory to EAs on insensitive advertisements (2014)
Sep	Advisory	All EAs	Foreign worker Settling-in Programme to start on 1 October 2018 Related: SIP for Work Permit holders Register online: MWC website
Sep	Advisory	All EAs	Amendments to EALC which take effect from 1 Sep 2018 Attachments: Amendment highlights FAQ
Jul	Advisory	All EAs	Fake job postings (reminder) Related: Fake job postings
Jun	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Inaccurate IPA information – MOM stepping up checks Attachment: FAQ on making changes to the information within the IPA letter
Jun	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Enhanced penalties for EAs found with underaged FDWs
May	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Two employment agencies charged for deploying underaged foreign domestic workers Related: Press release
May	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	MOM advisory to EAs on Indonesian embassy’s new performance bond requirement Attachments: Acknowledgement form Terms and conditions – Extract Related: Press release Related questions
Mar	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	New work pass cards for FDWs when you issue or renew their passes from 20 March 2018
Feb	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Changes to the FDW Levy Framework Attachments: Budget 2018 annex - FDW levy FAQs on changes to FDW levy
Feb	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Adopt responsible practices towards your clients Attachment: Guidelines for employment agencies placing FDWs
Jan	Policy	All EAs	EAs to comply with In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter requirements
Jan	Advisory	All EAs	Promoting mobile apps to foreign workers in Singapore – “PeopleGo” and “FWapp”

Date	Topic	For	Title
Oct	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	EAs’ role in repatriating FDWs
Aug	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Proposal submission for EAs interested to come aboard Advance Placement Scheme Related: APS for FDWs
Aug	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	EAs interested to offer the Advance Placement Scheme for FDWs Related: APS for FDWs
Aug	Advisory	All EAs	Fake job postings
Aug	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Underaged FDWs – MOM stepping up checks
Aug	Advisory	All EAs	EA Seminar Info Kit
Jun	Advisory	All EAs	Invitation to EA Seminar on 14 July 2017
Jun	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	EAs’ role in managing runaway FDWs
May	Advisory	All EAs	EA Enforcement Report 2016
May	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	EAs buying insurance for FDWs Attachment: Code of Practice for agents – Appendix D of GIARR Related: Press release on changes to personal accident insurance requirements of FDWs Insurance requirements for FDWs
May	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Provide your FDWs with proper accommodation Related: FDW’s accommodation
May	Policy	FDW-placing EAs	Enhancements to FDW’s personal accident insurance requirements Related: Press release on changes to personal accident insurance requirements of FDWs Insurance requirements for FDWs
April	Report	All EAs	Updates on cluster audit operation in Bukit Timah
Mar	Advisory	All EAs	EA alert and FAQs on review of CEI course and test Related: Certificate of Employment Intermediaries FAQs on CEI
Feb	Advisory	All EAs	Cluster audit operation Related: EA checklists

Date	Topic	For	Title
Dec	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Safety of FDWs Related: Contracts and safety agreement for FDW
Dec	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	EAs’ role in promoting good employment relationships between FDWs and their employers
Nov	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Inappropriate advertisements on e-commerce websites Related: Advisory to FDW-Placing EAs against insensitive advertising and inappropriate
Nov	Advisory	All EAs	EALC to take effect from 1 December 2016
Sep	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Cambodia as an approved FDW source with effect from 1 October 2016 Related: FDW eligibility
Sep	Policy	FDW-placing EAs	EAs’ role in repatriating FDWs
Aug	eServices	All EAs	Launch of the Employment Agency Customer Rating System
Jul	Report	All EAs	EA Enforcement Report 2015
Jun	Policy	All EAs	Advance notice to EAs to keep records of referral and placement data for positions where the fixed monthly salary is at least $3,300, from 1 August 2016 Attachment: Letter of notice Related: Submit quarterly referral and placement
Jun	eService	FDW-placing EAs	Implementation of EA customer ratings Related: Customer ratings for FDW-placing EAs
Jun	Others	FDW-placing EAs	YouTube video which showcased three FDWs’ positive experiences working with their Singaporean family
May	Policy	All EAs	Proposed amendments to EALC to take effect from 1 June 2016
May	Policy	FDW-placing EAs	Enhanced version of IPA letter for FDWs Attachments: Sample IPA – employer’s copy Sample IPA – FDW’s copy
May	Advisory	All EAs	Reminder to set up SingPass 2FA to perform sensitive government e-transaction
May	Policy	FDW-placing EAs	Declaration of FDWs’ employers contact details in Work Permit applications
May	Advisory	All EAs	Notice of expiry - Submission of renewal applications through OBLS / LicenceOne Portal (Beta)
Apr	eServices	All EAs	System migration notification – OBLS is moving to LicenceOne portal (beta) Related: Perform EA licence transactions
Apr	Advisory	All EAs	EA Seminar Info Kit 2016
Mar	Advisory	All EAs	Consultations on Trustmark grading scheme for EAs
Mar	Policy	All EAs	Enhanced Licensing Framework for Employment Agencies Attachment: Enhanced Licensing Framework Related: Which employment agency licence to get
Feb	eServices	All EAs	Revamped Employment Agency Directory Related: Employment agencies and personnel search

Date	Topic	For	Title
Dec	Advisory	All EAs	CEA Advisory to employment agencies
Nov	Advisory	All EAs	Important EDM alert for employment agencies
Oct	Report	All EAs	Orchard cluster audit operation results
Sep	Advisory	All EAs	Changes to Employment Act - To issue itemised pay slips and key employment terms (KETs) to employees Related: Itemised pay slips KETs Templates and resources for KETs and pay slips
Aug	Advisory	Non-FDW placing EAs	TAFEP’s EDM for non-FDW employment agencies
Aug	Advisory	FW-placing EAs	Ensuring acceptable accommodation for non-domestic foreign workers Related: Housing requirements for foreign worker
Aug	Advisory	FW-placing EAs	Employment Agencies Licence Conditions
May	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Four EAs found to have inappropriately displayed FDWs
May	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Minimum entry age requirement for FDWs Related: Foreign domestic worker eligibility
Apr	Advisory	All EAs	Tripartite guidelines on fair employment practices – update
Apr	Advisory	All EAs	Orchard cluster audit operations: May 2015
Mar	Advisory	All EAs	Include your employment agency’s information in written documents
Mar	Advisory	All EAs	Implementation of revised Security Bond and Banker’s Guarantee forms Related: Forms for employment agencies
Feb	Advisory	FW-placing EAs	Do not keep passport or work pass of foreign worker Related: Can an employer keep a worker’s passport?
Feb	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Provide your FDWs with acceptable accommodation
Jan	Advisory	All EAs	New authorisation forms (with effect from 1 February 2015) Related: Forms for employment agencies

Date	Topic	For	Title
Nov	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Ensuring timely pick-up of FDWs from Changi Airport
Nov	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Follow-up FAQs on advisory to FDW-placing EAs against insensitive advertising and inappropriate display of FDWs
Oct	Advisory	All EAs	Demerit points framework effective 1 November 2014 Related: Demerit points system for employment agencies
Sep	Notice	EAs employing PMEs	Call for information for the appointment of programme partners for the provision of career and employment services
Sep	Policy	All EAs	Employment Agency Licence Conditions (EALC) effective 1 July 2014 Related: Self-assessment basic compliance checklists
Jul	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	Advisory to FDW-placing EAs against insensitive advertising and inappropriate display of FDWs
Jul	Advisory	FDW-placing EAs	EAs to remind employers and FDWs to take note of safety when performing household chores Related: Employer's guide: FDW
Jun	Advisory	CL (All) and CL (Local)	Extending duration of Certificate of Employment Intermediaries (CEI) tests Related: Certificate of Employment Intermediaries (CEI)
Apr	Report	All EAs	43% of EAs found with no infringement for our cluster audits

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