Starting work before the pass is issued
Can my new foreign hire start work while the pass is pending?
The situation
No. Employing a foreigner without a valid work pass is an offence under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990.
The law
- Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990: Foreign employees need a valid work pass; levies apply to Work Permit and S Pass holders
What it means for you
Penalties apply to the employer and can include fines and debarment from hiring foreigners. Wait until the pass is issued, and keep the in-principle approval and card details on file.
What to do
- Wait for approval and issuance.
- Do not allow any work before that.
- Keep the pass details on file.
- Diarise renewal dates.
We can do this for youHiring foreign staff: work pass and levy basics: SGD 300