New education verification for Employment Pass applications to be implemented

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Singaporean government has announced that it will implement an education verification requirement for Employment Pass applicants.

Key Points: 

• Beginning Sept. 1, 2023, employers must submit an education qualification verification on behalf of the foreign national when applying for a new EP.
• The education qualification verification must be completed by a screening company recognized by the Singaporean government. A full list of recognized screening companies is available here.
• Singaporean authorities will not accept educational certificates certified by a notary public or school letters as a form of verification.
• Education certificate verifications will also apply to EP renewal applications beginning Sept. 1, 2024.

BAL Analysis: The Singaporean government announced the new education verification requirement to strengthen the review process for those applying for EPs. Once the education requirement takes effect, applicants should expect delays in processing EP applications because of the additional step.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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