This is just a simplification of the procedure for getting a work permit.
The ministry said that as part of a bid to attract more foreign professionals, it will waive the requirement for those who have previously obtained a work permit to go through the process again if they apply for a work permit to do the same kind of work with a different employer or return to a position with the same employer after a hiatus.
That’s funny that you currently have to show your University degree again if you renew your permit at the same company. Guess the degree could have expired in the one to three years between work permits…