You can hire existing workers without them having to leave Singapore first. Find out the requirements and how to apply.
From 1 July 2022, the Change of Employer (COE) scheme that allows for the transfer of workers without consent without consent from their employer will be made permanent.
Hence, a new employer can hire a marine shipyard worker during the 40 to 21-day window before his Work Permit expires, without the current employer’s consent.
At a glance
| Types of transfer |
How to apply |
| With current employer’s agreement with 21 days or more to Work Permit expiry |
- Submit a new Work Permit application on WP Online.
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For workers with remaining work permit validity of more than 40 days, an SMS or email will be sent to the existing employer. The existing employer need to log in to WP Online to agree or reject the transfer, within 7 working days.
If consent is not given by the existing employer, the Work Permit application submitted will be automatically rejected.
For non-Malaysians, their current work permit will be automatically cancelled when the new one is issued.
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With current employer's agreement with less than 21 days to Work Permit expiry
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You first need to apply for pre-approval with MOM.
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Without current employer’s agreement within 40 to 21 days before Work Permit expiry
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You first need to apply for pre-approval with MOM.
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If you require prior approval (PA) for the Work Permit application, please choose PA type as “New” when you apply through WP Online.
Employers who have paid for Stay-Home Notice (SHN) and related COVID-19 tests costs for their Work Permit holders and who agree to transfer the worker to another employer can share such costs with the new employer. To do so, they must follow MOM’s Criteria and Guidelines for Sharing of Stay-Home Notice and Related COVID-19 Tests Costs between Employers of transfer non-domestic Work Permit holders.