Types of Work Passes and Permits for Singapore
There are several types of work passes and permits for foreigners who wish to work in Singapore. The type of pass you need will depend on your qualifications, salary, and the nature of your work. Here's a summary of the most common ones:
Employment Pass (EP): This pass is for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. To qualify, you typically need a minimum salary of S$5,000 per month and a university degree. You'll also need to pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) test, which assesses your skills and qualifications against the needs of the Singaporean labor market.
S Pass: This pass is for mid-level skilled workers. To qualify, you typically need a minimum salary of S$3,150 per month and a relevant diploma or professional qualification. There is a point system that considers your salary, education, skills and experience.
EntrePass: This pass is for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Singapore. To qualify, your business must be innovative and have good potential for growth. You'll also need to invest a minimum amount of money in your business.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): This pass is for high-earning foreign professionals with exceptional skills and qualifications. There is no minimum salary requirement, but you must be sponsored by a registered company in Singapore.
Work Permit: This pass is for foreign unskilled workers from approved countries. There are quotas and levies associated with Work Permits, and employers need to adhere to stricter requirements for these workers.
Other work passes: There are also a number of other work passes available, such as the Training Employment Pass (TEP) for foreign professionals undergoing practical training, and the Work Holiday Pass (WHP) for students and graduates who want to work and holiday in Singapore for up to six months.
Work Permit
A work permit is required for foreign unskilled workers to work in Singapore. There are specific requirements and restrictions on employers who hire foreign workers on work permits.
Here's a summary of the Singapore Work Permit:
Issued to foreign unskilled workers from approved Asian countries
Allows working in various sectors like construction, manufacturing, services, etc.
Employers need to adhere to stricter requirements like levies, quotas, bonds, and health insurance for WP holders
Apply for a Work Permit
In Singapore, your employer typically handles the work permit application process on your behalf. Here's what you'll need to do:
Provide Written Consent: Give your employer written consent to apply for the work permit. This authorizes them to act on your behalf and helps settle any future disputes.
Employer Applies Online: Your employer will use the Work Permit Online (WPOL) system from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to submit your application. They'll need your details and pay a processing fee.
In-Principle Approval (IPA): If approved, MOM will issue an IPA letter. This allows you to enter Singapore.
Work Permit Issuance: Once you're in Singapore, your employer will need to:
Register your Singapore address and phone number.
Obtain medical insurance for you.
(For some sectors) Pay a security bond.
Collect Work Permit Card: Once everything is settled, your employer can finalize the work permit issuance through WP Online. You'll then visit a designated MOM center to collect your physical Work Permit Card.
Here are some resources from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that you may find helpful:
How Bestar can Help
Bestar can assist employers with work permit applications for Singapore in several ways:
Streamlining the Process: Work permit applications can be complex and involve various documents. Bestar, with our experience, can help employers navigate the application process efficiently. This includes gathering necessary documentation, ensuring proper completion of forms, and meeting deadlines.
Expertise and Regulation Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date with Singapore's ever-changing immigration regulations can be challenging. Bestar's expertise can be valuable for employers, ensuring they comply with all work permit requirements and avoid delays or rejections.
Liaison with MOM: Communication with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) can be part of the application process. Bestar can act as a liaison, representing the employer and communicating with MOM on their behalf.
Appeal Support: If a work permit application is rejected, Bestar can potentially assist employers with appeals. We may help understand the reasons for rejection and guide the employer on how to address them for a successful appeal.
Here's a breakdown of Bestar's potential services for employers:
Application preparation and document collection
Guidance on work permit requirements and regulations
Communication with MOM
Appeal assistance (if applicable)
By leveraging Bestar's expertise, employers can potentially save time, reduce the risk of errors, and ensure a smoother work permit application process for their foreign workers.
Bestar's website might not explicitly mention all our services. Contact us directly for a comprehensive understanding of our work permit assistance for employers.
The final decision on work permit applications rests with MOM.
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