Singapore Expats

Posted: **Mon, 01 May 2023 9:04 pm**

Hello
I am writing to seek your legal advice regarding a recent issue I have been facing with my employer.
I am a foreign worker on employment pass in SG and I received a medical certification from my doctor in Singapore that after several month of treating me, he is unable to continue my treatment with antibiotic medication and that I required surgery requesting my employer to grant my Hospitalization Leave. However since my insurance provided by employer hardly covers visits to a regular physician I am unable to proceed with surgery in SG and I decided to proceed with surgery in my home country at my own expense. I have 2 main question I am hoping someone will know the answer for.
1. Does my employer has a right to refuse my hospitalization leave based on the fact that I will be taking my surgery abroad, even though this is confirmed by a doctor in SG?
2. Does my employer has a right to terminate my contract based on the fact that when I submitted my MC he came to conclusion I am now unable to work?

I would appreciate your reply on this. thanks

Posted: **Tue, 02 May 2023 1:58 pm**

AndrzejSakowicz wrote: ↑
Mon, 01 May 2023 9:04 pm
Hello
I am writing to seek your legal advice regarding a recent issue I have been facing with my employer.
I am a foreign worker on employment pass in SG and I received a medical certification from my doctor in Singapore that after several month of treating me, he is unable to continue my treatment with antibiotic medication and that I required surgery requesting my employer to grant my Hospitalization Leave. However since my insurance provided by employer hardly covers visits to a regular physician I am unable to proceed with surgery in SG and I decided to proceed with surgery in my home country at my own expense. I have 2 main question I am hoping someone will know the answer for.
1. Does my employer has a right to refuse my hospitalization leave based on the fact that I will be taking my surgery abroad, even though this is confirmed by a doctor in SG?
2. Does my employer has a right to terminate my contract based on the fact that when I submitted my MC he came to conclusion I am now unable to work?

I would appreciate your reply on this. thanks

MC in principle is to cover time when you are not able to work and the reason is medical. So it's a bit strange.

But trying to answer your questions, assuming you are covered by the Employment Act, your employer needs to grant you sick and hospitalization leave but I believe it is only for Singapore approved doctors/clinics/hospitals.
Take a look in here: https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-pract ... sick-leave
So if the employer does not accept your choice of hospital I am afraid you would need to stick to your paid leave.
If you are not covered by the Employment Act all, including the said leaves should be regulated by your contract.

Singapore Expats

Hospitalization Leave - seeking treatment abroad

Hospitalization Leave - seeking treatment abroad

Re: Hospitalization Leave - seeking treatment abroad