Ministry of Manpower asking for verification of qualifications in some cases

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Singapore has begun requiring some applicants to have their qualifications verified as part of the application process for Employment Passes, S Passes and Training Employment Passes.

What does the change mean? Employment Pass, S Pass and Training Employment Pass applicants whose college or university is not listed on a Ministry of Manpower online pull-down menu will be prompted to have their diplomas and above qualifications verified by a global verification agency.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.

• Visas/permits affected: Employment Passes, S Passes and Training Employment Passes.

• Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals applying for Employment Passes, S Passes and Training Employment Passes.

• Next steps: For the time being, applicants can determine whether they require diploma and above qualifications verification by beginning the application process online and seeing whether their college or university is listed.

Additional information: Employment Pass, S Pass and Training Employment Pass applicants are required to provide a copy of their diploma and above qualifications in order to submit an application. The Ministry of Manpower has been stringent when assessing work pass applications and, at its discretion, may request verification proof for an applicant’s qualifications.

Analysis & Comments: The change will add an administrative step for some Employment Pass, S Pass and Training Employment Pass applicants. Employers may need to make slight adjustments to timelines for employees who have to complete the additional step.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.