IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the reminder? MDEC’s eXpats Service Centre has announced it will begin accepting projections from companies on their 2021 needs for foreign knowledge workers on Nov. 3.

  • Implementation time frame: Projections will be accepted beginning Nov. 3.
  • Visas/permits affected: Employment passes; professional visit passes.
  • Who is affected: Companies registered with MDEC (companies with MSC and ICT status).
  • Processing: MDEC processing times range from 14 to 20 business days; ESD processing times range from seven to 10 business days.
  • Business impact: Foreign knowledge worker projections must be approved before applying for employment passes (both new and renewal).

Additional Information: The eXpats Service Centre has recommended that only companies with foreign knowledge worker projection requirements (EP New/Renewal) in the first quarter of 2021 should submit their projections first.

MSC/ICT status companies are allowed to submit their foreign knowledge worker projections throughout 2021 based on their foreign-hiring needs. The 2020 foreign knowledge worker projection submission window remains open until Nov. 14.

Companies must submit the following supporting documents with their foreign worker projection requests:

  • Master service agreements (MSA) with all appendices, scope of work (SOW), letter of award (LOA), purchase order (PO), invoices, etc.
  • List of project(s) with duration and project value
  • Copy of latest audited account and current management account
  • Latest EPF statement for 2020
  • Latest IRB CP39 form.

Analysis & Comments: Companies should plan to submit their foreign-worker projections as early as possible to avoid the year-end holiday slowdown. Although there is no official deadline for filing, companies should aim to obtain approval by Dec. 31 to avoid any issues in submitting renewal applications, especially renewals for permits that expire in January, February or March.

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