Singapore Updates Work Permit Services From November 2026
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower is introducing changes to Work Permit services, including temporary work authorisation, employee record management and approval extensions through its myMOM Portal.
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced changes to its Work Permit eService, introducing new procedures for temporary work authorisation, employee information management and extensions of in-principle approvals.
The changes, taking effect on 29 November 2026, will allow employers to manage several Work Permit-related processes through the myMOM Portal. The enhancements are intended to simplify administrative procedures while providing clearer requirements for employers hiring foreign workers.
A key change concerns when foreign employees are permitted to begin work, with updated rules applying to workers who have not yet received their Work Permits.
Temporary Permits Required Before Starting Work
From 29 November, foreign workers will only be permitted to start work after their Work Permit has been issued or they have received a Temporary Permit (TP) letter.
Previously, non-Malaysian workers could begin working from their second day after arriving in Singapore using their in-principle approval (IPA) letter. Malaysian workers could apply for a Temporary Permit through WP Online if they needed to start work before receiving their Work Permit.
Under the updated arrangements, employers who need eligible workers to begin employment urgently can apply for a Temporary Permit through the Work Permit eService on the myMOM Portal.
For non-Malaysian workers whose Work Permit applications or appeals are submitted from 29 November 2026, employers should generally apply on the day the worker needs to begin work. Applications can also be submitted before arrival, although the permit will only be granted from the second day after the worker enters Singapore.
For Malaysian workers, applications can be made after receiving in-principle approval, once the worker is in Singapore.
Eligible applications will be approved instantly, allowing employers to download and share the Temporary Permit letter with the employee.
MOM also clarified that foreign worker levy charges will begin on the day the Temporary Permit is granted.
Employee Information Management Moves to myMOM Portal
The Ministry is also introducing a new View/Update Foreigner Profile function through the Work Permit eService.
From 29 November, employers will be able to access information including workers' personal particulars, occupations, employment history and security bond status.
The portal will also allow employers to view and update employment details, including key employment terms.
However, changes to workers' personal particulars and occupations must continue to be made through WP Online.
MOM plans to introduce these additional functions to the myMOM Portal in 2027, as part of its ongoing digital service enhancements.
Employers Can Extend In-Principle Approvals Online
Another change concerns the extension of Work Permit in-principle approvals.
Employers who are unable to bring a worker into Singapore before their IPA expires will be able to request an extension through the Work Permit eService on the myMOM Portal from 29 November.
Previously, these requests were submitted through WP Online.
For workers already in Singapore who require additional time before their Work Permit can be issued, employers must request a Special Pass instead.
MOM stated that the IPA validity will be extended automatically when a Special Pass is issued.
Clearer Procedures for Foreign Worker Employment
The changes form part of Singapore's progressive improvements to Work Permit administration, including efforts to reduce the time required for permit issuance.
For employers, the updated procedures will require closer attention to work commencement dates, Temporary Permit eligibility and levy obligations.
The transition to the myMOM Portal will also consolidate several administrative functions, although some services will remain available through WP Online until further enhancements are introduced.
With the new arrangements taking effect on 29 November 2026, employers will need to ensure that foreign workers have the appropriate authorisation before beginning employment and that Work Permit records remain accurate throughout the employment period.
Source: Singapore Ministry of Manpower
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