Dependent’s Pass Holders Must Obtain Work Pass to Work in S’pore From 1 May


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Normally, when a foreign talent is posted to Singapore for a long period of time to work, their companies—typically multinational corporations (MNCs)—allow them to bring their family members along.

These family members hold dependant’s passes (DP) for the duration of their stay here.

Previously, said DP holders are allowed to work as long as they hold a Letter of Consent (LOC) from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

But from 1 May 2021, things will change.

Dependent’s Pass Holders Must Obtain Work Pass to Work in S’pore From 1 May

On Wednesday (3 Mar), it was reported that the requirements for DP holders working here will change from 1 May 2021.

Instead of the LOC, DP holders must now obtain a work pass to work in Singapore, similar to foreign talents coming in to work.

DP holders who are currently employed can continue working until their LOC expires.

After that, however, their companies will have to apply for a work pass for them if they wish to continue hiring them.

Similarly, the DP holders’ work passes will be subjected to the same requirements:

However, not every DP holder is subjected to the same requirements.

Selected Business Owners Exempted

For business owners holding DPs, they can continue running their business with the LOC if:

  • The DP holder is a sole proprietor, partner or company director with at least a 30% share in the business
  • The business hires at least one Singaporean or PR earning at least S$1,400—the current Local Qualifying Salary (LQS)—with CPF contributions made for at least three months.

For DP holders who do not meet the aforementioned criteria, they can apply to extend their LOC until 30 Apr 2022 (for one-time only).

After which, they’ll either need a work pass or fulfil the above conditions to continue running their business.

The move, MOM says, is to align the requirements for foreign talents coming into Singapore to work.

Not Many DP Holders Work Here

According to Manpower Minister Josephine Teo, not many DP holders will be affected and they only represent around 1% of all work pass holders.

Nonetheless, time will be given to both DP holders and their employers to adjust.


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She added that most of them meet the work pass requirements.

Last November, MOM has also told foreign employees posted to Singapore by MNCs not to bring their family members to Singapore under DP or the long-term pass.

On a separate note, you might be interested in reading our comprehensive article on the adjust work pass salaries here.

Feature Image: kandl stock / Shutterstock.com