What is the Work Permit medical examination?
It is the medical examination MOM requires before a migrant worker's Work Permit can be issued. MOM states its purpose plainly: it screens the worker for four infectious diseases — tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis and malaria — and checks whether they are fit to work.
Can my worker do the Work Permit medical check-up at any GP clinic?
No, and this catches many employers out. Where your worker must go depends on their category. Workers required to undergo MOM's Onboard programme must complete the examination at MOM's Onboard centre. Workers who need a Primary Care Plan (PCP) must complete it with the Anchor Operator of the zone they will live in. Only workers who need neither may attend a local clinic such as ours.
How do I know which category my worker falls into?
Check whether they are required to undergo the Onboard programme, and whether they are required to have a Primary Care Plan. MOM's website sets out both. If you're unsure, contact us with their details before booking — we would rather tell you to go elsewhere than have you make a wasted trip.
When must the medical examination be done?
Within two weeks of the worker's arrival in Singapore, for those attending a PCP Anchor Operator or a local clinic. The examination must be completed before the Work Permit can be issued.
What tests are included in the Work Permit medical examination?
MOM's stated purpose is screening for tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis and malaria, together with a fitness-to-work assessment. The precise clinical examinations and tests are set out on MOM's Full Medical Examination form, which the examining doctor completes and signs. Employers may also request additional tests if they have specific concerns about a worker's health.
Does my worker need to fast?
No. Fasting is not required for the Work Permit medical examination.
What should my worker bring?
Their passport, the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, and MOM's medical examination form. Bring the form with you — the examining doctor completes and signs it.
Who certifies the result?
A Singapore-registered doctor examines the worker, completes MOM's Full Medical Examination form, and certifies whether the worker is fit or unfit.
What happens if the worker is found unfit?
The doctor will explain the finding. Certain conditions must be reported, and a worker found unfit will not have their Work Permit issued. Depending on the condition, treatment and re-examination may be possible — we will guide you through it.
Can employers request extra tests?
Yes. MOM states that employers may send workers for more tests if they have specific concerns about their health, beyond the four infectious diseases screened.
Is the Work Permit medical examination the same as the 6ME?
No. The Work Permit medical examination is done once, before the pass is issued. The six-monthly medical examination (6ME) is a routine screening carried out during employment, and applies to migrant domestic workers and to female Work Permit holders in certain sectors.
Is it the same as the medical examination for a migrant domestic worker?
No. MOM sets out separate pre-employment medical examination requirements for MDWs. If you are employing a helper rather than a migrant worker, see our 6ME page and MOM's MDW pre-employment medical examination page.
Do you submit the results to MOM?
Where we are the correct venue for your worker's examination, our doctors complete and certify MOM's form. Contact us with your worker's details and we will confirm exactly what applies.
Is the Work Permit medical examination subsidised?
No. It is an employer's cost and is not covered by CHAS, Healthier SG or other national subsidy schemes.
