What Is A Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore?

Published: 19 November 2024
1 min read
Running a Business

Heather Cameron
Business Writer
From expert guidance and helpful accounting tips to insights on the latest trends in fintech, Heather is here to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners in Singapore with great content. With a background in digital marketing spanning eight years, she has experience writing for various industries and audiences. As Osome’s copywriter, she’s here to inform and inspire our readers with great storytelling.
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Understanding the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is crucial for businesses and individuals navigating Singapore's regulatory landscape. This government agency plays a pivotal role in shaping fair labour practices and ensuring workplace safety. From managing work passes for foreign employees to regulating employment laws and fostering skills development, MOM's comprehensive oversight supports a dynamic workforce and balanced economic growth.

What Is a Ministry of Manpower?

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore is a government agency responsible for formulating and implementing labour policies to ensure a balanced, inclusive, and fair work environment in the country. It manages employment standards, workplace safety, and the welfare of both local and foreign workers. MOM oversees key areas such as work permits for foreign employees, labour laws, occupational health and safety regulations, retirement policies, and skills development programs to support Singapore's workforce and maintain economic growth.

What Does the Ministry of Manpower Do?

The Ministry of Manpower is responsible for regulating the country’s labour market, ensuring fair employment practices and workplace safety. It oversees employment laws, manages work passes for foreign workers, and resolves disputes such as salary issues and wrongful dismissal. MOM also enforces occupational safety standards and promotes skills development to help workers adapt to changing industries. Additionally, the ministry formulates policies for retirement and re-employment, ensuring workers are financially prepared for retirement through initiatives like the Central Provident Fund (CPF). MOM plays a key role in maintaining a balanced and competitive workforce.

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What Departments Does MOM Have?

There are 15 divisions within MOM:

Corporate Communications Department
Corporate Planning Department
Customer Responsiveness Department
Foreign Manpower Management Division
Human Resource Department
Income Security Policy Division
International Manpower Division
Labour Relations and Workplaces Division
Legal Services Department
Manpower Planning and Policy Division
Manpower Research and Statistics Department
Occupational Safety and Health Division
National Human Resources Division
Work Pass Division
Workplace Policy and Strategy Division

There are also 3 statutory boards in the Ministry of Manpower:

Central Provident Fund Board
Singapore Workforce Development Agency
Singapore Labour Foundation

Heather CameronBusiness Writer

From expert guidance and helpful accounting tips to insights on the latest trends in fintech, Heather is here to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners in Singapore with great content. With a background in digital marketing spanning eight years, she has experience writing for various industries and audiences. As Osome’s copywriter, she’s here to inform and inspire our readers with great storytelling.

Learn more