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Singapore – Construction sector launches foreign worker job portal

13 October 2015

An online job portal for foreign construction workers is one of the new initiatives launched to drive up productivity in Singapore’s construction sector, reports The Straits Times.

The Singapore Contractors Association (Scal), launched the Foreign Construction Worker Directory System today, will enable skilled foreign construction workers to list their skill sets. This will allow construction firms to better source trained workers who are reaching the end of their current work permits.

Search features will allow employers to narrow down searches by skill level, years of experience, trade skills certification, etc.

Kenneth Loo, President of Scal, expects this initiative to reduce costs for employers. It also means that work permit holders will be able to secure new employment more quickly, without a lapse in earnings or having to pay high recruitment fees to agents.

He said: "Scal believes in using technology to increase the productivity within the sector, in particular, the efforts to retain skilled and experienced workers in the Singapore construction sector."

More than 1,000 workers have signed up so far for the directory.

Membership is free but workers must pay a registration fee of SGD 15 (USD 11) to be considered for jobs during the 90-day window before their permits expire. Upon a successful match with an employer, they must pay SGD 150 (USD 107).

Employers will pay an annual subscription fee of SGD 2,000 (USD 1,430).