Settling-In Programme & safety courses

Getting started · Verified against MOM & MWC official sources · Checked July 2026

If this is your first time working in Singapore, you will likely go through two things soon after you arrive: the Settling-In Programme (SIP) and a safety orientation course for your sector (for example CSOC for construction). Both are required by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) before your Work Permit can be issued — they are not optional extras, and they are not a test you need to fear. They exist to help you understand your rights, stay safe on the job, and know where to get help.

The Settling-In Programme (SIP)

The SIP is a 1-day orientation programme introduced by MOM and run by the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC). It is required for non-Malaysian Work Permit holders who are working in Singapore for the first time in the Construction, Marine shipyard, Process and Manufacturing sectors (workers returning to the CMP sectors within 2 years of their last work pass cancellation are exempt, effective 1 August 2025). Domestic workers are not covered by this programme — they have a separate settling-in arrangement for first-time helpers.

When you must attend

• Within 14 calendar days of your arrival in Singapore.
• Male CMP-sector workers usually attend as part of onboarding at the Onboard Centre; female CMP-sector and manufacturing-sector workers register through MWC.
• Your Work Permit cannot be issued until you have attended — so it is in everyone's interest that you attend on time.

What it covers

The SIP is taught in plain language and covers:

• An introduction to Singapore — local social norms and daily life.
• Your employment rights and obligations under Singapore law.
• Workplace safety basics and what to do if you are injured.
• Financial guidance — using licensed remittance services and avoiding unlicensed moneylenders.
• Healthcare access and mental health support.
• Useful mobile apps for migrant workers, and recreation centres you can use on your day off.

Cost and language

The course fee is $75.00 (inclusive of GST) per worker, and it is paid by your employer — not by you. It is offered in English, Mandarin, Tamil, Bengali, Burmese, Thai and Vietnamese; if you need another language, your employer or agency should arrange an interpreter. Sessions run at the MWC Recreation Club @ Soon Lee (51 Soon Lee Road), Monday to Saturday.

Safety orientation courses by sector

Separately from the SIP, MOM requires most Work Permit holders in higher-risk sectors to pass a safety orientation course before they start work, and again before their Work Permit is renewed. The course you take depends on your sector:

Construction

Construction Safety Orientation Course (CSOC), also delivered as "Apply Workplace Safety and Health in Construction Sites." Covers your safety responsibilities, common site hazards, safe work procedures, working at heights, PPE, and emergency response — with a practical component.

Marine shipyard

Shipyard Safety Instruction Course for Workers, General Trade (SSICGT), also delivered as "Apply Workplace Safety and Health in Shipyard (General Trade)." Covers hazards specific to shipbuilding and ship-repair worksites.

Process (oil, gas and petrochemical)

Oil Petroleum Safety Orientation Course (OPSOC), now delivered as "Apply Workplace Safety and Health in Process Plant (AWSHPP)." Required for all process-sector workers, in particular those on Jurong Island. If you are building or maintaining a process plant, you may also need CSOC.

Manufacturing — metalworking

Metalworking Safety Orientation Course (MSOC), also delivered as "Apply Workplace Safety and Health in Metal Work." Required if you handle metals or machinery in the metalworking industry.

Timelines that apply across these courses

• Complete the course within 2 weeks of arriving in Singapore, and pass it within 3 months — otherwise your Work Permit may be revoked.
• Your certificate must be renewed every 2 years if you have 6 years or less of experience in that sector in Singapore, or every 4 years if you have more than 6 years.
• When your Work Permit is renewed, your safety certificate must still be valid for more than 1 month — otherwise the renewal will not go through.

Bring your Work Permit / In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, and your passport, to attend class — you generally need full attendance to sit the assessment.

Why this matters to you

These are not just bureaucratic steps. The SIP gives you the information you need to protect yourself — how to spot a salary problem, where to get medical help, how to send money home safely, and who to call if something goes wrong. The safety course can genuinely prevent a serious injury: construction, shipyard, process and metalworking work all involve real hazards, and understanding them before your first shift is what the course is for. If anything is unclear during either course, ask the trainer — that is what they are there for.

Common questions

Do I have to pay for the Settling-In Programme?

No. The fee is $75.00 (inclusive of GST) per worker, and your employer pays it — not you.

What happens if I miss the 14-day deadline?

Talk to your employer or agency straight away so they can re-register you and, if needed, explain the delay to MOM. Your Work Permit stays on hold until you attend.

What language is the course taught in?

English, Mandarin, Tamil, Bengali, Burmese, Thai and Vietnamese are offered. Ask for an interpreter if you need a different language.

What if I fail my safety orientation course?

You must pass within 3 months of arrival or your Work Permit may be revoked. Speak to your employer or the training provider about resitting — do not let it lapse.