Foreigners on a dependant’s pass will need a work pass to work in Singapore

Under new changes, Dependant’s pass (DP) holders will have to secure a work pass instead of a letter of consent if they wish to work in Singapore from May 1, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). 

This means that businesses that hire DP holders will have to comply with the requirements for hiring foreigners, which includes the relevant quotas, levies and qualifying salaries. These conditions come with applying for work passes in Singapore, which include the Employment Pass, S Pass, and work permit.

DP holders who are currently working in Singapore based on a letter of consent comprise some 1% of all work pass holders, according to Manpower Minister Josephine Teo. 

Although the new regulations will take effect in May, those who are currently working based on a letter of consent will be allowed to continue in their jobs until its expiry. Following that, employers will have to apply for work passes for the DP holders. 

DP holders who are business owners will be allowed to continue their business if it creates local employment. They will have to be either a partner, director or sole proprietor of the business with at least 30% shareholding, and their business must hire at least one Singaporean or permanent resident who earns at least S$1,400 (US$1,053) and receives Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions for at least three months.

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Companies that do not meet the criteria can continue running their business until the letter of consent expires, or apply for a one-off extension until Apr 30, 2022 when their DP is next renewed.