Work passes to be required for Dependant’s Pass holders who want to work

Authorities in Singapore announced Wednesday that beginning in May Dependant’s Pass holders will have to obtain a work pass rather than a letter of consent (LOC) in order to work in Singapore.

Key Points:

• Effective May 1, Dependant’s Pass holders will need to apply for an Employment Pass, S Pass, work permit or other work pass in order to work in Singapore.
• Companies will have to satisfy applicable salary and quota requirements in order to employ Dependant’s Pass holders. Officials have not yet said whether job posting requirements will have to be satisfied in order to obtain and Employment Pass or S Pass, but at this state, the Ministry of Manpower has indicated that it will aim to facilitate the transition to work passes for eligible applicants.
• Dependant’s Pass holders with an LOC issued before May 1, 2021, will be permitted to continue working on their LOC until it expires. After that, they must apply for a work pass.
• The changes will not affect residence rights for Dependant’s Pass holders.
• Exemptions to the new rule may be available to Dependant’s Pass holders who own their own business, provided the business creates local employment and meets other relevant requirements.

Analysis & Comments: Officials are implementing the change to make the work authorization process for Dependant’s Pass holders consistent with the work pass framework for other foreign workers. Additional announcements on the change are expected in the coming weeks, and Deloitte will provide more information as it becomes available.

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