To acquaint newly arrived foreign workers with Singapore’s social norms and laws, there will be a mandatory ‘settling-in programme’ (SIP) for those who are here on a work permit. The main purpose of the programme is to equip them with knowledge of their employment rights and obligations, and Singapore laws.
This was announced by Lim Swee Say, Minister for Manpower of Singapore, during an appreciation dinner for foreign workers.
“The programme, to be rolled out in phases, will start with all first-time non-Malaysian foreign workers in construction sector, and is expected to be launched in the second half of 2018,” said Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in a press release.
This programme is similar to the current mandatory SIP for first-time foreign domestic workers. This mandatory programme will educate newly arrived foreign workers on employment regulations, Singapore laws and social norms, as well as avenues of help.
In 2016, MOM conducted a pilot programme with close to 1,900 foreign workers which was appreciated by both employers and the new workers.
Kenneth Loo, Executive Director of Straits Construction Singapore Pte Ltd said, “We find this programme beneficial for both foreign workers and employers. It helps them adapt to working and living in Singapore by learning about the laws, regulations, and social norms.
He added, “We sent 26 foreign workers to the pilot programme and we saw positive behaviour in the workers. As an employer, a worker who is aware of his responsibilities is more productive and can better communicate with us.”
The SIP programme is conducted in the worker's native language. It will be rolled out in phases to workers in other sectors such as marine, process, manufacturing and services.