Question 1

Which source countries do employment agencies actively recruit from for Singapore construction?

Accepted Answer

MOM approves specific source countries for construction sector hires. Non-Traditional Sources include Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines, and from mid-2025, Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos.

Question 2

What are an employer's costs when hiring a construction Work Permit worker in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Placement fees are typically paid by the worker, not the employer — this is standard industry practice. Employer costs include the WP application fee to MOM, monthly MOM levies, a security bond of $5,000 per Non-Traditional Source worker, and mandatory medical insurance of at least $60,000 per year per worker (hospital and day surgery).

Question 3

What happens if a Work Permit application in Singapore is rejected?

Accepted Answer

A reputable agency will have a clear process for handling rejections — either re-submitting with additional documentation or sourcing a replacement candidate. Ask the agency about this before signing.

Question 4

Do employment agencies handle post-arrival obligations for Work Permit holders?

Accepted Answer

Not all agencies do. Employers have obligations under the Onboard programme, insurance from day one, and accommodation requirements. Confirm whether the agency supports post-arrival compliance or hands off once the IPA is issued.

Question 5

Can an employment agency guarantee a Work Permit approval in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

No. MOM makes all Work Permit decisions. Any agency that guarantees approval is misrepresenting the process.

5 Mistakes Singapore Construction Employers Make After the Work Permit Is Approved