Above image: Comparison of old and new Work Pass Cards/ Credit: MOM
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore will be introducing a new Work Pass (WP) card with a QR code and a free mobile application called SGWorkPass. The WP card is an identification card for foreigners working here and contains their employment information.
The new app, which can be downloaded for free from Apple’s App store and Google Play, will enable employers, pass holders and any other stakeholders to check the status of work passes with their smartphones.
MOM will issue the new WP card in phases, starting with Work Permit holders in the Marine Shipyard and Construction sector from 15 September 2017 and to other work pass holders in the coming months. Existing WP cards will remain valid and pass holders will receive their new cards as and when they renew their work passes.
Many service providers, premise owners or other stakeholders rely on the date of expiry printed on the card as proof of status before entering into a contract with the pass holder or allowing entry into a premise, etc.
However, a foreigner’s employment may be cancelled before his/ her work pass expires due to various reasons such as resignation or restructuring. Hence, the date of expiry printed on the work pass card may not reflect the most up to date status.
With the SGWorkPass, stakeholders now have a more reliable and convenient way to check the most updated status as well as to verify variable information such as date of expiry and occupation. They can do this by scanning the QR code printed on the new card with the secure SGWorkPass mobile app. Users will be asked to perform a one-time registration through a SMS OTP (One-Time Password). If there is no OTP registration performed for the mobile app, users can still tap on the ‘Use Card Serial Number’ option to check for basic pass information such as pass status, pass expiry or cancelled date. It would take them to a new portal called Check Work Pass Status.
The SGWorkPass mobile app displays the latest pass information including the pass status, date of pass expiry/issue/renew/cancellation, occupation and name of employer. If the pass is cancelled prematurely or has expired, the SGWorkPass mobile app will display the validity of the work pass and whether he or she can remain legally in Singapore.
With this change, the MOM will discontinue printing variable information, such as date of expiry on the WP cards.
For users without smartphones, they can still use the existing e-services on MOM’s website such as the Work Pass Online (WPOL)/ Employment Pass Online (EPOL) or Check Work Pass Status.
