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Hiring an existing manufacturing or services worker

Workers can change employers 40 to 21 days before their Work Permit expires. During this window, a new employer can hire the worker without the need for the current employer's consent.

At a glance

Who are eligible Existing manufacturing and services workers from Malaysia, North Asian sources or People's Republic of China (PRC). You can only hire from your own business sector.
When you can start applying

With the current employer's agreement:

If the Work Permit has a validity of 14 days or more, you can apply for a new Work Permit.

If the worker's Work Permit is expiring in less than 14 days, you first need to apply for pre-approval from MOM. You will need the existing employer to sign the consent form.

Without the current employer's agreement:

From 40 to 21 days before their current Work Permit expires. You first need to apply for pre-approval from MOM.
How long it takes Within 1 week. It will take longer if we need more information.

Why hire an existing worker

You may consider hiring workers who are already working in Singapore to:

  • Benefit from experienced workers and a faster deployment time.
  • Save on the cost of bringing in new workers.

Roles and responsibilities

Please see the table below to find out the current and new employers’ responsibilities during the transfer of a migrant worker within their own business sector:

Work Permit status Who is responsible for worker's upkeep, maintenance and repatriation What you need to do next
Current employer New employer Current employer New employer Current employer New employer
Live Approved ✓ Discuss and agree with new employer on the date to get the new Work Permit issued.

Get the pass issued before the IPA expires or earlier if the current employer agrees.

If you are hiring the worker without the current employer’s consent, get the new Work Permit issued within 7 days after the current one expires.
Live IPA expired, withdrawn or cancelled ✓ You may renew the Work Permit (if eligible), or send the worker home. No further action needed.
Expired/Cancelled Approved ✓ No action needed. Get the Work Permit issued now to avoid any overstaying fine. Submit a request if you need more time to get the pass issued.
Expired IPA withdrawn or cancelled before the worker’s Work Permit expires. ✓ You may renew the Work Permit (if eligible), or send the worker home.
 No action needed.
Expired IPA withdrawn or cancelled after the worker’s Work Permit expires. ✓ No action needed. You need to arrange to send the worker home.