Effective immediately, standard government processing of Employment Pass, S Pass, Dependant's Pass and Long Term Visit Pass applications will now take up to three weeks for online submissions. Additionally, the processing time for Work Permit applications has been extended by one week. These extended processing times apply to both new and renewal applications but do not take into account any unforeseen delays or complications.

Previously, the processing time for these applications was one week for online submissions and one day for Work Permits.

Reasons for the Change

Continuing changes in the employment and security landscape has prompted the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to implement additional measures to check and verify work pass applications. These stricter measures include verifying documents, qualifications and data with other government agencies and overseas organizations.

Additionally, the MOM has also been verifying that employers have complied with fair employment practices in hiring foreign nationals. Processing times have increased in order to accommodate these additional practices.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals should anticipate longer processing of their pass applications and should plan ahead accordingly.

Employers should expect a longer waiting period before their employees are permitted to work in the country.

Please note that processing times are likely to take around two months or longer if the MOM undertakes a comprehensive security check.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to SGInitiations@fragomen.com

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