IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Ministry of Manpower has introduced a new process for foreign dependents of Singapore citizens or permanent residents, who are now eligible for a Preapproved Letter of Consent authorizing them to continue to work in the country.

  • What does the change mean? The new Preapproved Letter of Consent will provide interim work authorization to those changing immigration status.
  • Implementation time frame: Immediate.
  • Visas/permits affected: Long-term visit passes for spouses or children of Singapore citizens or permanent residents.
  • Business impact: The new Preapproved Letter of Consent should ensure that work authorization does not lapse for work pass holders who are in the process of converting their immigration status.
  • Next steps: Once the long-term visit pass is issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, the foreign national’s work pass will automatically be canceled. Subsequently, a Preapproved Letter of Consent valid for one month will be provided to the foreign national. Employees must contact their employers to initiate application for a Letter of Consent with longer validity.

Background: The one-month Preapproved Letter of Consent provides a work authorization bridge for those converting from a work pass to a long-term visit pass. This is because once the long-term visit pass is issued, the existing work pass is automatically canceled and the holder will have to obtain a new work authorization tied to their long-term visit pass that was sponsored under their spouse’s Singapore or permanent resident status.

Analysis & Comments: This a positive change for spouses of Singapore citizens and permanent residents, who are now eligible for a one-month interim work authorization to ensure that there is no work gap. Employees and employers need to ensure that their work authorization does not lapse while waiting for the process of converting the Preapproved Letter of Consent, which is valid for one month, to a long-term Letter of Consent that is typically tied to the validity of the long-term visit pass.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.