Hiring Work Permit holders in Singapore comes with important employer responsibilities. Four terms that employers often come across are WICA, PCP, FWMI, and Security Bond.
Understanding the difference can help employers stay compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties or unexpected costs.
1️⃣ WICA (Work Injury Compensation Act)
The Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) protects employees who suffer work-related injuries or occupational diseases.
What does it cover?
✅ Medical expenses due to work injury
✅ Medical leave wages
✅ Compensation for permanent incapacity
✅ Compensation for death due to work injury
Who pays?
Employers are required to purchase Work Injury Compensation Insurance (WICI) for Work Permit holders and employees performing manual work.
Why is it important?
WICA ensures injured workers receive compensation quickly without lengthy court proceedings.
2️⃣ PCP (Primary Care Plan)
The Primary Care Plan (PCP) provides migrant workers with access to basic healthcare services.
PCP typically includes:
✅ General Practitioner (GP) consultations
✅ Management of chronic diseases
✅ Basic diagnostic tests
✅ Health education and preventive care
✅ Telemedicine services (depending on provider)
Who requires PCP?
PCP is generally required for Work Permit holders living in dormitories under Singapore regulations.
Why is it important?
Early treatment helps prevent minor illnesses from becoming serious medical conditions and reduces absenteeism.
3️⃣ FWMI (Foreign Worker Medical Insurance)
FWMI is mandatory medical insurance that employers must purchase for Work Permit and S Pass holders.
FWMI generally covers:
✅ Hospitalisation expenses
✅ Surgery costs
✅ Day surgery procedures
✅ Intensive Care Unit (ICU) treatment
✅ Hospital-related medical expenses
Minimum requirement
Singapore regulations require employers to provide medical insurance with minimum coverage levels as specified by MOM.
Why is it important?
FWMI protects employers from large hospital bills while ensuring workers receive necessary medical treatment.
4️⃣ Security Bond
A Security Bond is a financial guarantee provided by employers when hiring Work Permit holders from most source countries.
Standard amount:
💰 SGD $5,000 per worker
When can the bond be forfeited?
If the employer fails to comply with Work Permit conditions, such as:
❌ Worker overstays illegally
❌ Employer fails to repatriate worker when required
❌ Employer breaches Work Permit regulations
Why is it important?
The Security Bond encourages compliance with Singapore’s employment and immigration regulations.
Quick Comparison Table
| Item | Purpose | Mandatory | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| WICA | Compensation for work injuries | ✅ Yes | Protects workers injured at work |
| PCP | Primary healthcare access | ✅ For applicable workers | Early treatment and preventive care |
| FWMI | Hospitalisation insurance | ✅ Yes | Covers major medical expenses |
| Security Bond | Compliance guarantee | ✅ Yes | Ensures employer compliance |
Final Thoughts
Although these four requirements serve different purposes, together they create a strong protection framework for both employers and migrant workers.
✔️ WICA protects against workplace injuries.
✔️ PCP supports day-to-day healthcare needs.
✔️ FWMI covers major hospital expenses.
✔️ Security Bond ensures compliance with Work Permit regulations.
Understanding these requirements helps employers manage risk, stay compliant, and provide better support for their workforce.