How to Work as an OFW in Singapore

Singapore is one of the Philippines’ closest neighbors, making it a top choice for many OFWs. According to the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, there’s an estimated 220,000 Filipinos living and working in this country.

About 60% of OFWs in Singapore are professionals and skilled workers in construction, engineering, finance, healthcare, and hospitality sectors; the rest are employed in domestic work and household management. Notably, the country ranks as a top contributor of overseas remittances to the Philippines, with many OFWs sending financial support to their families.

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Finding and Securing a Job

The first step to becoming an OFW in Singapore is to find a job and secure a job offer from an employer there. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) job portal is a good place to start. You can also get in touch with recruitment agencies that are licensed by the DMW.

Alternatively, you can apply directly with Singapore-based companies through their official websites. However, your job contract must still be verified by the DMW, and you must complete the necessary procedures.

Online Portals for Finding Jobs

When using the DMW job portal, you can find approved job orders by entering “Singapore” on the search bar. You can also find vacancies by typing a job position or the name of a recruitment agency.

In addition, the following websites feature job opportunities in Singapore:

Preparing and Authenticating Documents

When applying for a job in Singapore, the typical requirements include:

Valid/Confirmed Job Offer stating the job title, working hours, salary, and benefits;
Work Pass approved by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM);
Passport with validity of at least six months;
Educational Documents such as transcript of records, seminar/training certificates, etc.; and
Medical Exams required by the employer and MOM.

Getting a Work Permit and Visa

As soon as a Singapore-based employer decides to hire you, they or their recruitment agency needs to apply for your work visa through the MOM. Once approved, the MOM will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which would serve as your “pre-approved” entry visa to Singapore.

Depending on your skills, your work visa or “work pass” may be classified into these categories: (a) Employment Pass or EP, designed for professionals, executives, and managers; (b) S Pass, designed for technicians, hospitality staff, and other “mid-skilled” foreign workers; and (c) Work Permit, designed for semi-skilled or unskilled workers in domestic work, construction, and manufacturing sectors.

Completing Pre-Departure Requirements

As part of the requirements, you will also need to complete the following:

Pre-employment Medical Exam in a DMW-accredited clinic;
Job contract verified and validated by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Singapore (for direct hires);
Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) and Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP), if applicable; and
Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or OFW Pass, which serves as the official travel exit clearance for OFWs in Philippine airports.

Arriving in Singapore

After arriving in Singapore, you need to undergo Medical Exams before a formal pass card is issued. Moreover, your employer will set an appointment with the MOM for biometrics capturing, and for the issuance of your physical EP, S Pass, or Work Permit.

Thanks to the close economic and diplomatic ties between Singapore and the Philippines, many Filipinos are able to stay in this country as OFWs. As the country continues to be a major hub for business, trade, healthcare, and tourism, the demand for foreign workers is bound to continue, as well.

Meanwhile, the rights and welfare of OFWs in Singapore — and around the world — are protected by the DMW and OWWA. Earlier this year, the agencies established a facility catering specifically to sea-based OFWs. Check out this article to learn more about the Seafarers’ Welfare Center.