Singapore Work Permit Renewal | Renew Your Employment Pass

What is Singapore work pass?

A Singapore work pass is an official visa, among other including the S Pass Singapore work permit, that every foreign worker in Singapore must secure prior to applying and being employed by a company in Singapore. The Singapore work pass is also known by many as the employment pass. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced that it will be renewing the work permit for all foreign workers who have been working in Singapore since 1 January 2017. This is a major step forward to ensure Singapore work Permit Renewal and ensures Singaporeans can continue their careers after they return home. The MOM said that this decision was taken due to concerns about shortages in labor, which includes new job seekers with no formal education or experience. It has also been noted that the Singapore work permit renewal process is a problem for the company.

At Ren Ai Group, we understand ex-pats and foreign workers undergo hardships. We understand that Singapore work permit renewal must be completed in two phases. First, all existing holders of work permits who have been working overseas since January 1, 2017, will need to renew their work. Second, those with an expired Singapore Work Permit Renewal will have to apply for a new one. Third, if you are a foreign national who has been living in the country for more than 6 months, you will not be able to get a work visa Singapore work permit renewal.

The Singapore Government announced to the public that they will be setting up an online application system to help those who are in need of a work visa Singapore. The online system will allow people to check Singapore Work Permit Renewal status and apply fora work visa. The company has been operating in Singapore for more than 20 years and has a good reputation in the city-state. However, it has had to face Singapore Work Permit Renewal issues before. There have even been cases where applicants were denied their renewal because they did not meet certain criteria. For example, some of them failed to provide enough details about themselves or their family members. This is Singapore Work Permit Renewal issue.

Can I Renew my Singapore work permit online?

Yes, you can! You will need to create an account and register with the Ministry of Manpower. The Singapore work pass renewal application will be processed in not more than 24 hours. Please note that this is only available from 1st June 2018. If you have already applied online, you can resubmit an application. However, please note that it may take up to 48 hours after submitting an application before your Singapore work pass renewal process starts.  The Singapore work pass renewal application is only available to foreign workers who have been residing in Singapore for at least 3 months.

As of this time, here are the steps in renewing Work Permit Online: 1. Register the name and the mobile number to Online Foreign Workers Address Service (OFWAS), 1 hour before renewing the pass online. 2. Log in to WP Online, then submit the application and upload the needed documents. Print and refer to the renewal notice and application form in WP online under the “Renew” function for more specific instructions. 3. Pay $35 for every renewal. You can use a GIRO, VISA, Master Card, or eNETS debit card.

How long can an employee stay in Singapore after a work permit expires?

An employee whose work permit expired or was canceled can stay for 30 days or 1 month in Singapore. If this situation happened to your employee it considered now as “social visit stay”. It is a must that every employee should have a valid pass to be able to stay and work in Singapore. The employer or company will have to pay an overstaying fine if their employees stayed in Singapore without a valid pass.

Do I still need to have an Employment contract when I renew my Work pass?

Yes, you do! All foreigners that work in different sectors in Singapore on a work visa will need an Employer Contract (EOC). The Employer contract should give you information about how much is the salary, working hours and other crucial details of the employment. The contract must also include the contact information of the employer (i.e. phone number, email, and address), as well as business information like company policies, sick leave, and working hours. An employment contract is mandated by the Employment Act.  It is also known as an Employment Agreement, Appointment Letter, or Offer letter. Any violation of both parties is considered a breach of contract.

If you don’t have an employment contract, please inform your manager. Foreign workers have to sign and return a document called “Employment Contract Form E” (Form E is also called “Form S”). The form will contain your personal details, any Singapore property that you own, or your rented Singapore home address. Also, you should submit official details about the local properties. Ask your Singapore property agent for these official details. The applicant must complete and submit an application that includes information such as:

1. Date of birth.
2. Place of residence.
3. Address.
4. Telephone number.
5. Email address.
6. Signature.
7. Name of Employer.

How to appeal for renewal of Work Permit?

A company or firm can appeal for the renewal of a work permit for its employees. Here are the steps on how to proceed with the appeal:

1. An employer or the person authorized by the employer can file for an appeal;
2. Before starting filing up the appeal form, visit first: a. for foreign employees – http://www.mom.gov.sg/wpol b. for foreign domestic employees – http://www.mom.gov.sg/fdw-eservices note: It pays to know the reason why your employees’ or workers’ application for renewal of work permit was denied by MOM.
3. All information indicated in the documents of the employees should be accurate to avoid the hassle of submitting a request for correct information.
4.  The appeal should be filed early, it would take 3 weeks for it to be processed because of the high volume of appeal.
5.  There’s an overstaying fine if the employees don’t have a valid Pass to stay in Singapore.

Here are Important notes released by the Ministry of Manpower:

1.   Work Permit renewal notice and application will indicate if your workers are required to undergo a medical examination for you to get their Work Permits renewed.
2. For those works who are currently on Stay-Home Notice or Quarantine order and will not be able to do their medical examinations, employers can request time to get the Work permit renewed. Employers can also submit this kind of request for employees waiting for their new passports.
3.  For those employees who cannot go back to Singapore to renew their work permits, employers need to cancel them and will have to re-apply them for them once the Pandemic situation has stabilized.
4. For all other workers, the company must have them undergo their medical examinations(if required) and must renew the work permit to keep their employees.

Have More Questions?

For any more inquiries and comments about the eligibility requirements or process of the Singapore work pass or employment work visa application, call +65 +65 6493 2970. Alternatively, drop Ren Ai Group a message to arrange for a free consultation.