Work Permit (WP, Labor Pass) It is a work pass issued by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to low-skilled or low-middle-skilled foreign workers to allow them to be legally employed to work in specific industries (e.g. construction, manufacturing, marine shipbuilding, services, etc.).The WP is primarily intended for workers from specific approved countries/regions.
🌟 Key Features of WP
✅ Employer sponsorship system
WP must be applied for and sponsored by an employer who is a registered company in Singapore, and the pass is tied to the employer with no freedom to change employers.
✅ Industry-specific
Only for specific industries such as construction, manufacturing, marine shipbuilding, services, processing, etc.
✅ Country of origin restrictions
WP is only available for MOM-recognized source countries or regions, such as China, Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.
✅ validity period
The WP is valid for up to 2 years (depending on factors such as the employer's industry, the worker's country of origin, the validity of the passport, and safety training).
🌟 WP's employer obligations
Employers have the following key obligations to fulfill when hiring a WP holder:
✅ Health insurance for workers (minimum coverage as per MOM)
✅ Payment of a head tax (levy) on workers, the amount of which depends on the industry, type of work and hiring quota.
✅ Ensure that workers complete the necessary safety and industry training (e.g., construction safety training certificates BCA certification, etc.)
✅ Providing accommodation for workers and meeting accommodation standards (e.g., dormitory certification or dormitory inspections)
✅ Responsible for arranging the repatriation of workers upon separation, revocation or expiration of their permits.
🌟 WP application requirements
For employers and foreign workers, the following basic conditions need to be met:
| sports event | request |
|---|---|
| employers | Registered company in Singapore, with employment qualification in relevant industries, employing WP workers within the quota. |
| Country of origin of workers | Must be from a MOM-approved source country/region |
| (a person's) age | Males 18 - 50 years; females 18 - 45 years. |
| Other requirements | Pass a health check; complete necessary training (e.g., industry safety courses) |
🌟 WP application and management process
1️⃣ Employer submits WP online application to MOM
2️⃣ MOM approval (typically 1-3 weeks)
3️⃣ Obtaining Approval in Principle (IPA) and arranging for workers to enter the country
4️⃣ Completion of medical examination, security training and fingerprinting upon entry into the country
5️⃣ Receive WP Physical Card
Employers are required to complete all MOM compliance filings as well as renewals and separations for workers during their employment.
🌟 Limitations of WP
⚠ WP holders are not allowed to switch employers freely unless they reapply after completing the contract period or obtaining special approval from the MOM
⚠ WP holders are not allowed to start their own business or engage in freelance work
⚠ WP holders cannot usually apply for PR (Permanent Resident) except through special channels such as long term contribution or special policies.
🌟 Key Differences with S Pass and EPs
| sports event | WP | S Pass | Employment Pass (EP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| catering for a wide range of people | Low/mid-low skilled foreign workers | skilled worker | Professionals/Executives |
| Employer Requirements | Subject to poll tax and quota compliance | Subject to poll tax and quota compliance | No quota restrictions |
| Switching employers | Not freely convertible | Convertible, new employer application required | Convertible, new employer application required |
| Availability to apply for PR | generally not | available | available |
🌟 The support we can provide
🎯 WP Labor Quota Calculation and Hiring Plan Design
🎯 WP Worker Application, Renewal, Revocation Full Process Service
🎯 Dormitory arrangement, insurance, head tax management counseling
🎯 MOM Compliance Training and Worker Entry Arrangements
📌 concluding remarks
The Singapore Labor Pass (WP) is an important mechanism for companies to bring in low/mid-low skilled foreign workers to participate in the economy. When hiring WP workers, companies need to pay close attention to quota, poll tax, compliance obligations and worker well-being. For customized employment solutions, application counselling or compliance support, we can provide you with professional services.
