Singapore’s robust economy, coupled with its reputation for safety and political stability, has attracted numerous international companies to establish their Asia bases here. This, in turn has made Singapore an appealing destination for workers seeing employment opportunities.
Among the total foreign workforce of 1,488,000 (as of June 2023), a large portion is made up of Malaysians, who are our closest neighbours. They perform labourious roles that are typically shun by locals such as food servers, cleaners, and builders.
Due to the cultural and linguistic similarities between the two countries, Malaysian workers are given more privileges compared to other foreign workers hired by companies in Singapore. Here are some of the differences in the work pass requirement that businesses may need to know between Malaysians and non-Malaysians working in Singapore.
#1 Non-Malaysian Workers Are Not Allowed To Enter Singapore During Application Of Their Work Permit
Employers hiring foreign workers need to apply for a Work Permit for each worker, which allows them to work in Singapore for usually 2 years.
For non-Malaysian workers, they are not allowed to enter Singapore during the time of application. They can only enter once the employer has obtained the In-Principle Approval letter and furnished a Security Bond.
On the other hand, Malaysian workers may enter Singapore on a short-term visit pass (STVP) though they are not allowed to take up any paid employment until their Work Permit is approved.
Read Also: Guide To Work Passes In Singapore: Work Permits, S Pass and Employment Pass (EP)
#2 Higher Age Limit For Malaysian Workers To Apply For Work Permit
The minimum age for non-domestic migrant workers applying for a work permit in Singapore is 18 years old. Malaysians can apply as long as they are under 58, while non-Malaysian workers must be below 50 years of age.
All foreign workers can only work up to 60 years of age.
#3 No Security Bond Required For Malaysian Work Permit Holders
Employers of non-Malaysian Work Permit holders (including migrant domestic workers) are required to purchase a $5,000 security bond for each worker that they employ. This is a binding pledge, which comes in the form of a banker’s or insurer’s guarantee to pay the government if either the employer or worker breaks the law, Work Permit conditions, or security bond conditions.
This requirement is not appliable for Malaysian work permit holders hired by local companies.
Read Also: Hiring Foreign Workers In Singapore
#4 No Maximum Period Of Employment Limit For Malaysian Workers
Malaysian workers hired on a Work Permit pass in the services sector enjoy an unrestricted maximum period of employment in Singapore, a privilege not extended to foreign workers from other countries.
On the other hand, basic-skilled workers from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Non-Traditional Sources (NTS), are only limited to 14 years, while their high-skilled counterparts can work in Singapore on a Work Permit for up to 22 years.
#5 Additional Requirements To Fulfil When Hiring Non-Malaysian Workers In The Hotel, Retail, And F&B Industries
Businesses that wish to hire higher-skilled migrant workers must ensure that the workers have the minimum academic qualifications, which are as follows:
- Malaysians: Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)
- North Asian sources (SAS): High school certificates
- People’s Republic of China (PRC): Diploma
Additionally, for non-Malaysian workers to qualify as higher-skilled workers for the hotel, retail, and F&B industries, they must also obtain level 4 of the Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WPLN).
#6 Renting HDB Flats For Housing Foreign Workers
Employers are permitted to accommodate their workers on Work Permit (WP) in Housing Development Board (HDB) flats, provided that they are either Malaysians or work in the services sector.
However, for non-Malaysian WP holders from the manufacturing sector, they are restricted to only renting individual bedrooms and not the entire HDB flat.
Unlike Malaysian workers, this group workers who are working in Singapore for the first-time are also required to undergo the 1-day Settling-In Programme (SIP). It provides an orientation to workers on Singapore’s social norms, their employment rights and responsibilities, Singapore laws and where and how to seek assistance.
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