Renewal of S Passes for Companies where Quota was Reduced Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions

60 Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Manpower whether companies seeking renewal of existing S Passes can be allowed to do so even if their quota has been reduced as a result of a drop of the companies' workforce numbers due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Mrs Josephine Teo: A company’s quota for work permits and S Passes would be reduced as a result of a drop in the company’s workforce numbers. Existing employees who may not be in Singapore due to entry restrictions are included in the workforce numbers so long as they continue to be on the company’s payroll as evidenced by CPF contributions, or hold a valid work pass if they are non-residents. To be fair and consistent to all employers, we do not include workers who have obtained in-principle approval but have not arrived in Singapore to start work.

MOM may, on appeal, grant time-limited extensions for existing work passes, if there are valid reasons and assurance that they are short-term in nature. Companies that need transitional support while implementing plans for a leaner workforce can also consider applying for the Lean Enterprise Development (LED) Scheme.