What Is the MOM Onboard Programme? A Guide for Construction Workers Coming to Singapore

If you are coming to Singapore to work in the construction sector on a Work Permit, one of the first things you will do after landing is attend the MOM Onboard Programme at the Onboard centre.

This is not optional. Your employer is required to book a slot for you before you fly, and you must check in on the day you arrive. Here is everything you need to know about what happens, what to bring, and what comes next.

What Is the MOM Onboard Programme?

The Onboard Programme is a 2- or 3-day programme run by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) at a facility called the Onboard centre, located at Onboard@Sengkang West (20A Seletar West Road 1, Singapore 798991).

It has two main purposes:

1. Medical examination (ME) — MOM’s appointed team screens you for infectious diseases and checks that you are fit to work and to live in a dormitory.

2. Settling-in Programme (SIP) — You learn about Singapore’s laws, social norms, dormitory rules, and your rights as a worker. This applies to first-time arrivals and workers who have been away for more than two years.

Who Needs to Attend?

You must attend if you meet all three of the following:

• You are male and non-Malaysian

• You hold an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter

• You are working in the Construction, Marine shipyard, or Process (CMP) sector

If you are female, Malaysian, or working in a sector other than CMP, the Onboard Programme does not apply to you.

How Long Is the Programme?

• First time in Singapore, or returning after more than 2 years: 3-day programme

• Returning within 2 years of your last work pass cancellation: 2-day programme

What Happens Each Day?

Day 1 — Check-in

You travel directly from the airport to the Onboard centre. Bring all your documents (listed below) when you check in.

Day 2 — Medical examination and vaccination check

MOM’s appointed medical team examines you for infectious diseases. They also review your vaccination records. Everything is done at the centre — you do not need to arrange anything yourself.

Day 3 — Settling-in Programme (SIP) (first-time arrivals and workers returning after 2+ years only)

The SIP covers Singapore’s workplace laws, dormitory living rules, your rights as a migrant worker, and what to do if you have a problem with your employer. Workers returning within two years skip Day 3 since they have already completed it.

What Documents Do You Need to Bring?

Make sure you have these with you when you check in:

• IPA letter — physical printout or digital copy

• Physical passport — the original, not a photocopy

• Proof of vaccination — if you have any records, bring them

• A working smartphone — you will download essential apps at the centre, and you will receive a free SIM card there

What Happens After You Leave the Onboard Centre?

After you complete the programme and check out, your employer must do the following within 14 days:

1. Issue your Work Permit via MOM’s WP Online portal. As of 4 May 2026, your employer no longer needs to upload your medical report manually — MOM’s medical provider submits it directly.

2. Register your residential address in Singapore using OFWAS (Online Foreign Worker Address Service). This is a legal requirement. OFWAS records where you are living so MOM can contact you if needed. If you move address later, your employer must update it in OFWAS within 5 days.

What You Need to Remember

• You go directly from the airport to the Onboard centre on the day you arrive

• Bring your physical passport, IPA letter, and a smartphone

• The programme is 2 or 3 days depending on whether you have worked here before

• After you leave, your Work Permit will be issued and your address registered within 14 days

If you have questions about coming to work in Singapore or about the placement process, you can reach Stagencies on WhatsApp at +65 8836 4624 or join our Telegram channel at t.me/wanttoworkinsgnow.

Read next: 5 Mistakes Employers Make After Work Permit Approval — And How to Avoid Them