Dependent Pass Singapore (DP): In a bid to align the requirements for DP holders who wish to work here, with the requirements for all other foreigners working in the country, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in an announcement on Wednesday, said, “From May 1, 2021, all dependents of foreigners holding a Dependent’s Pass will need an applicable work pass (e.g. Employment Pass, S Pass or Work Permit) to work in Singapore, instead of a LOC [Letter of Consent].” Currently, DP holders who are dependents of Employment Pass, EntrePass, or Personalised Employment Pass holders, can apply for a LOC to work in Singapore.
Importantly, existing DP LOC holders will be allowed to continue working until the expiry of their LOC. But, MOM added, “Employers will need to apply for an applicable work pass should they wish to continue employing existing DP LOC holders after their current LOC expires. For employers and DP LOC holders who wish to do so, MOM will facilitate the transition to a work pass. The relevant qualifying salary, dependency ratio ceiling, and/or levies for the respective work passes will apply.”
Increment in Work Pass Salary Criteria
The Singapore government raised the salary criteria for Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass applications in the mid of 2020 to provide more support for local employment amid the pandemic. Here are the new salary criteria for the following work passes:
Employment Pass
Effective 1st September 2020, all companies applying new Employment Passes for foreign candidates will have to ensure that the minimum monthly salary for inexperienced applicants is S$4500 and more for experienced candidates.
Furthermore, for new EP applicants in the Financial Sector, the minimum monthly salary has been raised to S$5000 with effect from 1st December 2020.
For all EP renewals of current foreign employees, the above salary criteria will be in effect from 1st May 2021.
Read more about this news about DP holders in Singapore InCorp Global.
