MOM Renew Work Permit in Singapore: What You Should Know

Photo credit: mom.gov.sg

A MOM (Ministry of Manpower) work permit is a type of pass that allows foreign workers to be employed in Singapore. It’s specifically designed for semi-skilled workers in approved sectors, and it’s not the same as the work permit for domestic helpers. To get a MOM work permit, your mom’s employer would need to apply on her behalf, and the application would need to meet certain eligibility criteria.

How does the MOM renew work permit process work

To renew a work permit in Singapore, the employer needs to submit several documents to MOM, including a completed work permit renewal form, the worker’s travel document (passport), a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of valid medical insurance policy coverage.

You might need to gather extra documents based on the kind of work permit you’re applying for and your particular situation.

Documents required for renewal

The MOM renew work permit can be submitted online via the MOM website. The employer needs to log in using their CorpPass or SingPass and navigate to the Work Permit Online system.

First, complete the renewal form and upload any required documents. Make sure to declare everything necessary and pay the application fees on time. Submitting your renewal before your current work permit expires helps you avoid late penalties.

Online renewal application

Once the MOM renew work permit is approved, the employer will receive a renewal notice from MOM. The renewed work permit can then be collected from the Work Pass Division of MOM or delivered to a specified address.

Collecting New Work Permit

The worker should check that all the details on the new work permit card are accurate. The old work permit card must be returned to MOM for cancellation within one week of receiving the new card.

Steps to renew your domestic helper’s work permit

When renewing a domestic helper’s work permit in Singapore, the employer should gather all the required documents in advance. These include the helper’s latest passport, a completed work permit renewal letter or form, a passport-sized photograph of the helper taken within the last 3 months, and proof of valid medical and personal accident insurance.

1) Prepare necessary documents

The employer can submit the MOM renew work permit application for their domestic helper online through the MOM website. They need to log in, select the option to renew a domestic helper’s work permit, and fill in the relevant details in the online form.

Included are details about both the employer and helper as well as their employment contract along with relevant insurance policies. Employers need to complete various declarations before paying any renewal fees by either credit card or bank transfer.

2) Fill online renewal form

There are various fees payable to MOM when renewing a domestic helper’s work permit in Singapore. The main ones are the work permit application fee ($35), the issuing fee ($35), and the foreign worker levy which varies based on the number of domestic helpers employed.

3) Pay fees and security Bond

If the security bond has expired, a new embassy bond of $5,000 must be purchased from an approved domestic helper insurance company. Employers should budget around $300-400 in total for the renewal process for the maid work permit.

Important considerations after Singapore work permit renewal

Once you renew a work permit, make sure to update your employee records with the new details and validity period. This means you’ll need to refresh information in your HR management system, payroll software, and any other important databases.

It’s important to keep a copy of the new work permit and related documents in the worker’s file. Good record-keeping helps you follow MOM rules.

Update employee records

Employers must continue to comply with Singapore’s employment laws and regulations after renewing their worker’s work permit. This includes adhering to the terms of the employment contract, paying the worker on time, providing a safe working environment, and not deploying the worker to another employer.

Breaking the rules can lead to overstaying fines, losing your work permit, and facing future bans on hiring foreign employees.

Comply with employment laws

Employers need to keep an eye on when the renewed work permit expires or the renewal letter sent by MOM. This way, they can start the renewal process again in time if needed.

Employers should set reminders leading up to the work permit expiry. The typical duration of a work permit is 2 years, after which it needs to be renewed again. Failure to renew before the expiration date can lead to fines, late renewal fees, and the worker having to leave Singapore.

Check validity period

After a successful work permit renewal, employers should notify the relevant authorities and update them with the new details. For example, for domestic helpers, the employer needs to inform the helper’s embassy of the renewal.

Notify Authorities

If the worker lives in employer-provided housing, the building management should be notified of the renewed stay duration. The worker’s pass type and expiry date may also need to be updated with the worker’s bank, mobile service provider, and other organizations.

Understanding the MOM renew work permit timeline

Employers should start the work permit renewal process at least 2-3 months before the current permit expires. This provides sufficient buffer time in case additional documents are required or there are delays in processing.

Submitting the renewal application too close to the expiry date can be risky; if not approved in time, the worker may need to leave Singapore, disrupting business operations and incurring additional expenses.

When to start renewal process

The processing time for a work permit renewal application depends on various factors, such as the type of work permit, the completeness of the application, and MOM’s workload. On average, online applications take around 1-2 working days to be processed if all the minimum requirements are met.

Employers can check the application status online. Complex cases or applications with missing documents can take longer.

Avoiding lapses in validity

Employers need to plan ahead for renewing work permits. If the renewal doesn’t line up perfectly with the expiration of the current permit, it could leave workers in a tricky spot without a valid pass, which is against Singapore’s rules.

To avoid this, employers should submit the renewal application well before the expiry date and follow up promptly if any additional documents are requested by MOM.

Costs and fees associated with MOM renew work permit

Most work permit holders in Singapore require their employer to furnish a security bond of $5,000 in the form of an insurance guarantee or banker’s guarantee. The bond must be valid throughout the duration of the work permit.

If the bond is due to expire, employers must purchase a new one when renewing the work permit. The bond insurer will charge a premium, typically around $200-250 for a 2-year bond.

Security bond requirements

Employers are required to purchase and maintain medical insurance and personal accident insurance for each work permit holder, with coverage of at least $15,000 per year for inpatient care and day surgery and $36,000 per year for accident-related death or permanent disability.

When renewing the work permit, employers must ensure these insurance policies are valid for the new duration. Annual premiums can range from $200-500 depending on the insurer and coverage.

Medical and accident insurance

There are several fees payable to MOM when renewing a work permit. These include a work permit application fee of $35, a work permit issuance fee of $35, and the foreign worker levy which varies based on the sector and worker’s qualifications.

For example, the monthly levy for a basic skilled construction worker is $300. In addition, employers must pay an online payment fee of $30 per application. All in all, employers can expect to pay around $400-600 in government fees for each work permit renewal.

Common questions about MOM renew work permit process in Singapore

A renewed work permit in Singapore is typically valid for up to 2 years. The actual duration granted depends on factors such as the worker’s passport validity, the security bond and insurance coverage periods, and the employment contract term.

Employers can check the exact validity period on the renewed work permit card or in the online approval letter. It’s important to note the new expiry date and plan for the next renewal accordingly.

Validity of renewed permit

A work permit is tied to a specific employer and job. If a work permit holder wants to change employers, the current employer must cancel the work permit, following which the new employer can apply for a new work permit.

The worker may need to leave Singapore during this transition. Employers should inform their workers of the proper procedures and refrain from deploying them to other employers, as this is illegal and can levy penalties.

Changing employers

Work permit holders can continue to travel in and out of Singapore while their renewal application is being processed, as long as their current work permit is still valid. However, if the renewal is not approved by the time the worker returns to Singapore, they may be denied entry.

To avoid disruptions, it’s best for the worker to postpone non-essential travel during the renewal period. If travel is necessary, they should carry a copy of the renewal application acknowledgment.

Traveling during renewal

In some cases, MOM may reject a work permit renewal application. Common reasons include incomplete or inaccurate information, failure to meet the eligibility criteria, non-payment of fees, and non-compliance with work permit conditions.

If an application is rejected, the employer will receive a rejection letter stating the reasons. They may have the opportunity to appeal the decision or submit a new application after addressing the issues. The worker will need to leave Singapore if the rejection is final.

Key Takeaway:

Renewing a work permit in Singapore involves submitting required documents online, paying fees, and ensuring all details are accurate. Start the process 2-3 months before expiration to avoid penalties.

Conclusion

There you have it—everything you need to know to nail the mom renew work permit process. We’ve covered the essential documents, walked through the online application, and even talked about what to do after your helper’s new work permit arrives.

You don’t need to stress about renewing your domestic helper’s work permit. A little planning and understanding will help you get through it with ease.

So the next time that work permit expiration date rolls around, you’ll be ready. No more frantic scrambling or last-minute panic. Just a smooth, hassle-free renewal process that leaves you wondering what all the fuss was about.