MOM extends foreign worker levy rebate, waiver of foreign worker levy during SHN

THE Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is extending the S$250 foreign worker levy rebate for all work permit holders in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors till March 2022.

It is also extending the waiver of foreign worker levies -- for all foreign workers during their entry stay-home notice (SHN) and residential onboarding programme at the Migrant Worker Onboarding Centres -- till December 2022.

The extension of the levy rebate, which was due to expire in December 2021, is expected to help about 15,000 firms, MOM said on Tuesday (Dec 21). It noted that the inflow of workers in the affected sectors has picked up in recent weeks.

MOM said the government will review whether to continue the levy rebate closer to March 2022, adding that it will also continue to work closely with the sectors to transform businesses and reduce their manpower reliance.

It also said employers can consider making use of the rebate to retain existing workers and bring in work permit holders from lower-risk countries or regions.

Meanwhile, the levy waiver, which was also due to end in December 2021, was extended as "safeguards such as SHN and Migrant Worker Onboarding Centres onboarding remain important to minimise risk of Covid-19 importation".

The waiver had earlier been provided for the period January to September 2021, but was later extended to December this year.

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