Description

Housing requirements which are one of the important factors for companies which is often left out its importance, therefore results to heavy forfeiture by the ministry. Although the guidelines are minimum, it is still mandatory for employers to keep a lookout for its own employee’s residential status during their employment with their company.

There are various types of housing for foreign workers, each with its own set of requirements.

Register and update residential address and mobile number

What to update

Employers must register and update your foreign workers’ info in Online Foreign Workers Address Service (OFWAS) https://www.mom.gov.sg/eservices/services/ofwas

• Residential addresses
• Mobile numbers (from 17 November 2017)

When to update

For work permit applications and renewals: Register before work permit issuance.

For changes in your foreign workers’ place of residence: Update within 5 days of any change in residential addresses.

What happens to employers who do not comply with Work Permit Housing requirements?

If an employer fails to comply with housing requirements, it is considered a breach of the Work Permit condition to provide acceptable accommodation as well as a breach of the relevant agencies’ regulations. This includes updating your foreign workers’ addresses.

The relevant agencies will take enforcement work in their respective areas. Any employer who violates this condition can be prosecuted under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. It will also be taken into consideration if the employer applies for subsequent Work Permits.

Must employers update the overseas address of workers who travel daily to work in Singapore?

Yes, employers should provide the overseas address of a foreign worker who travels daily to Singapore to work. Use the Online Foreign Worker Address System (OFWAS) to update the address.

https://www.mom.gov.sg/eservices/services/ofwas

If my foreign workers are on home leave or overseas assignment, must employers update their address in OFWAS?

Yes, employers must inform MOM when foreign workers go on home leave or overseas assignment, and we will update in OFWAS.

To do so, you must:

(https://service2.mom.gov.sg/efeedback/Forms/eFeedbackWithReferrer.aspx?option=39)

With our team’s involvement, your company can assure that we will ensure your foreign manpower working under your company to abide to the requirements set out by the ministry. Our team will base on the housing inspection checklist specified by the ministry to perform checks on the housing location of your employees.

In addition, Semiko will provide a detailed monthly report summarizing the housing inspections conducted, highlighting any issues found, and recommending corrective actions if necessary.