IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Ministry of Manpower and the Directorate General of Immigration have integrated their systems for foreign workers’ work permit applications.

What does the change mean? The updated system integrates the entire process for sponsoring companies, beginning with the filing of the Foreign Manpower Utilization Plan (RPTKA), to the notification (work permit), work visa, and stay permit (e-ITAS) for foreign employees.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate. The integration was implemented Nov. 1.
  • Visas/permits affected: All visas and permits related to foreign workers, including RPTKA, notifications (work permits), work visas and stay permits.
  • Business impact: The integration should streamline the procedures for companies applying for new work permits. 
  • Next steps: Companies should try accessing their existing accounts in the ministry’s system or TKA online with the new system and confirm that their account contains all company documents and all currently approved positions from their RPTKA.

Background: The systems previously administered by Ministry of Manpower (TKA Online) and Directorate General of Immigration (Visa Online) have now been integrated, and sponsoring companies will need to be proactive in ensuring their accounts are active and updated, and that documents are timely uploaded to avoid delays in work permit applications.

Analysis & Comments: Companies are advised to ensure that their accounts have been properly restored by accessing their account at TKA Online using the same user ID and password. On the first login, the system may request updated information, including the contact information of the guarantor, the company’s Tax ID card number and the numbers of local and foreign employees in the company. When updating their accounts, companies should also check that company documents, such as articles of association, domicile letters, business licenses and mandatory reports, are logged in their account, as well as all jobs that are in the company’s active RPTKA that have previously been approved by the Ministry of Manpower.

During the implementation of the integrated system, companies should allow additional time to account for possible glitches or system maintenance, which may delay the process. Additionally, as this is now a streamlined process, companies should ensure that all information and supporting documents for applying for work permits, work visas, and stay permits are available upfront because the application may only be submitted into the system once. If the authorities notice that there are missing documents, a company will be requested to complete and submit them to the system within 24 hours.  

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.