More opportunities for Vietnamese to work in Singapore

From August 2021 to August 2022, Singapore is piloting welcoming Vietnamese to the country to work in its construction, maritime, and processing industries under a Work Permit, according to information from the island state’s Ministry of Manpower.

Singapore previously only allowed Vietnamese to work in the country under an Employment Pass, a work visa program for foreign experts with specialized skills, or an S Pass, for skilled foreign workers.

The Ministry of Manpower also announced that licensed labor recruitment companies are permitted to conduct labor recruitment activities.

Contracts for Vietnamese workers going to Singapore to work in the construction industry must comply with the laws of both Vietnam and Singapore and follow regulations on working time, days off, public holidays, overtime payments, insurance, and other matters.

Notably, Vietnamese will work for a maximum of eight hours a day and 44 hours a week, and be entitled to at least one day off a week and paid leave on public holidays. They are also allowed to take paid annual leave.

Employers must pay health insurance for their employees, at a minimum of SGD15,000 ($11,140) per year. Employers may require that employees co-pay health insurance premiums, but only up to 10 per cent of their monthly salary.

According to the Vietnamese Embassy in Singapore, the average salary, including basic salary and fixed allowances, for Vietnamese workers in the construction industry under the pilot program is the same as for Thai workers, at SGD768-840 ($570-623) per month. Workers are also provided with free accommodation.