Work Permit: Meaning in Singapore
A Work Permit is an employer-sponsored pass that allows eligible semi-skilled migrant workers from approved source countries or regions to work in specified Singapore sectors or occupations.
Key facts
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Requirements vary by Work Permit type and sector, including construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process and services.
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Employers must meet applicable source-country, age, quota, levy, security-bond, medical-insurance and housing rules.
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The pass is tied to the approved employer and occupation conditions.
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A Work Permit is not interchangeable with an S Pass or Employment Pass.
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MOM publishes separate rules for migrant domestic workers and other specialised Work Permit categories.
Related terms
Employment Pass
The Employment Pass (EP) is an employer-sponsored work pass for foreign professionals, managers and executives working in Singapore.
S Pass
The S Pass is an employer-sponsored work pass for skilled foreign employees who meet MOM's salary and eligibility requirements.
Letter of Consent
A Letter of Consent (LOC) is a specific MOM work-authorisation route for certain eligible stay-pass holders; it is not a general substitute for an Employment Pass, S Pass or Work Permit.