Can work permit holder work part time in Singapore? This is a question that many work permit holders in Singapore wonder. If you’re thinking of taking on extra work outside your main job, you need to know the rules that apply to you.
Work Permit holders in Singapore are not allowed to work part-time for another employer or engage in any activities to earn extra income beyond their designated employment.
The Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has strict rules on Work Permit holders’ employment conditions. These rules are designed to maintain order in the labour market and protect employers and foreign workers.
When you receive a Work Permit, you are allowed to work only for the employer and in the occupation specified in your permit. Taking on side jobs, freelance work, or starting your own business is not allowed and can lead to serious consequences.
Understanding these rules is important for your legal stay in Singapore. You may hear of exceptions or special circumstances, but the general rule is clear: Work Permit holders must only work for their designated employer and cannot take on extra jobs.
Key Points
Work pass holders must work only for their designated employer and cannot legally work part-time for other companies.
Violating employment pass conditions by working unauthorized jobs can lead to work pass revocation and repatriation.
If your employment changes, you must go through your employer and MOM rather than seeking unauthorized part-time work.
The Work Permit in Singapore is a type of pass for semi-skilled foreign workers. It allows you to work in specific sectors such as construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, or services.
Work Permits are issued for up to 2 years and can be renewed by your employer. As a Work Permit holder, you must work only for the employer on your Work Permit card.
Sectors that require Work Permits:
Construction
Manufacturing
Marine shipyard
Process industries
Service sector
Your employer must meet several requirements when hiring you as a Work Permit holder. These include:
Employ only workers with a valid Work Permit
Pay the fixed monthly salary declared to MOM
Provide housing
Buy medical insurance plan
There are conditions that both you and your employer must follow. Breaking these conditions can lead to fines, imprisonment, or cancellation of your work permit. The Singapore government has a quota system and levies for Work Permit holders. Your employer must comply with these limits when hiring foreign workers.
If you’re thinking of working in Singapore as a semi-skilled worker, understanding the Work Permit scheme and Foreign Manpower Act is important for your legal employment and stay in the country.
Understanding the specific requirements for Work Permit holders to work part-time in Singapore is crucial for both employers and employees to avoid legal issues. These criteria vary based on individual circumstances and industry regulations.
Work Permit holders in Singapore are not allowed to take on part-time jobs outside their main employment. According to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, all work pass holders must only work for their designated employer. Taking additional jobs or engaging in activities to earn extra income is strictly prohibited.
Your Work Permit binds you to work only for the employer on your permit. This applies regardless of:
Whether the additional work is during your off days
If your main employer gives verbal permission
The nature or duration of the secondary employment
Breaking these conditions can lead to serious consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and being barred from working in Singapore in the future.
Each sector has its own rules for Work Permit holders. If you’re working in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard or other similar industries, you must comply with the specific Work Permit conditions for your sector.
Key sector-specific considerations:
Construction: Additional safety certifications may be required
Domestic work: Restricted to working only in the employer’s registered address
Manufacturing: Subject to industry-specific quotas and levies
Each sector has its own Work Permit conditions that both you and your employer must follow. These conditions outline your responsibilities, allowed work activities, and limitations.
Unlike Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who have more flexibility in employment arrangements, foreign workers under Work Permits face stricter rules on their work activities and hours.
Singapore has specific rules for part-time employment that apply to both local workers and work permit holders. These rules determine who can work part-time and under what conditions.
The Employment Act covers all employees except managerial, executive and confidential employees, domestic workers, seamen and Government employees.
It includes special provisions for part-time employees through the Employment (Part-Time Employees) Regulations. These regulations define a part-time employee and outline their entitlements.
Under these rules, part-time employees are entitled to pro-rated benefits compared to full-time employees. This includes:
Annual leave
Sick leave
Public holidays
Maternity and childcare leave
The regulations also specify how to calculate hourly and daily pay rates for monthly-rated part-time employees. For rest days, special conditions apply if a part-time employee works at their own request.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has strict guidelines for work permit holders and part-time work. Work permit holders must only work for their designated employer as stated on their work permit.
Work permit holders are not allowed to take on additional jobs or engage in activities to earn extra income in Singapore. This restriction applies even if the additional work is part-time.
Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are not legally restricted from working two jobs concurrently. However, work permit holders must comply with the Conditions of Work Permits, which prohibit employment beyond their designated employer.
To get part-time work approval as a Work Permit holder, you need to follow the procedures set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Understanding these steps helps you comply with Singapore’s employment laws.
The main employer must initiate the application for part-time work. Employers must ensure their Work Permit holders comply with all conditions on their permits.
To apply for part-time work approval, employers need to:
Submit a written request to MOM explaining the reason for part-time arrangement
Provide details of secondary employer (if applicable)
Specify working hours and compensation structure
Confirm the arrangement does not breach existing Work Permit conditions
Remember that your main employer is responsible for your work pass, housing, and medical insurance, regardless of any part-time arrangement.
Proper documentation is important for part-time work approval. You need:
Valid Work Permit - Your current Work Permit must be active without any restrictions
Employment Contract - A written agreement detailing part-time terms
Letter of Consent - From your main employer
Secondary Employer Documents - Company registration and declaration forms
All documents must state your FIN (Foreign Identification Number) and working hours. The combined working hours from all jobs must not exceed legal limits to avoid overwork.
Processing takes 2-4 weeks. You cannot start part-time work until you receive approval from MOM.
Work permit holders in Singapore must know the rules about working hours and salaries when taking on part-time work. These rules are to protect both employers and employees and ensure fair treatment in the workplace.
Work permit holders are expected to work full-time for their official employer. However, there are specific situations where part-time arrangements can be allowed.
For employees under Part IV of the Employment Act, working hours are regulated with mandatory breaks, overtime pay, and rest days.
Your contractual working hours cannot exceed 44 hours in most cases.
For part-time work, you must:
Have written approval from your main employer
Not work more than 8 hours a day
Have at least one rest day a week
Not work more than 6 hours without a break
Students with valid passes can work part-time up to 16 hours a week during school terms and full-time during holidays without additional permits.
When working part-time, your pay calculations are different from full-time employment. Understanding these differences ensures you get fair pay.
Part-time workers should get proportional benefits according to their working hours.
When calculating pay, employers use an hourly rate based on the full-time position.
For monthly-rated employees working part-time, there is a formula to calculate hourly and daily pay.
Your employer must pay you the fixed monthly salary declared to MOM without unauthorised deductions.
Important pay considerations include:
Overtime pay: Part-time employees are entitled to overtime compensation
Public holiday pay: You have rights to public holiday pay proportionate to working hours
CPF contributions: Applicable to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents
Foreign Worker Levy: If you work with a Work Permit or S Pass
Both Work Permit holders and employers must understand the rights and obligations in Singapore’s work environment. The Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has clear guidelines to protect foreign workers and ensure fair employment practices.
As a Work Permit holder in Singapore, you have specific rights protected by law. You are entitled to receive the fixed monthly salary declared to MOM by your employer. This means you get the salary agreed upon when you were hired.
You have the right to employment terms as stated in your contract. This includes working hours, rest days and overtime compensation if applicable. You must receive proper payment for overtime. The calculation differs from part-time employment. You can get more information from the MOM website.
You have rights to certain leaves, though these may differ from full-time employees. Part-time Work Permit holders are entitled to:
Proportional annual leave
Sick leave
Maternity leave (for female employees)
Employers hiring Work Permit holders must meet several legal requirements.
First and foremost, they can only employ workers with a valid Work Permit. Hiring someone with an expired or invalid permit is illegal.
Employers must provide accurate information to MOM:
Job scope
Fixed monthly salary
Working conditions
They must pay your salary on time and provide itemized pay slips. Any deductions from your salary must be justified and legal.
For part-time arrangements, they must clearly state the terms in your contract. They need to specify your hourly rate, working hours, and how your leave entitlements are calculated.
Employers are also responsible for your work-related medical expenses and must maintain proper insurance coverage for you.
Work permit holders in Singapore must understand the process of changing their employment status. Changes must be done correctly to maintain legal work status.
If you want to change your work arrangement, you must follow the right channels.
As a work permit holder, your employer needs to submit a request for any changes to your employment status.
Your employer must fill up the ‘Change Work Permit holder’s occupation’ form through the MOM online portal. This falls under “Amendment of Information/Particulars for Foreign Workers”.
The application must include supporting documents, such as your passport details page. Your employer is responsible for this process - you cannot submit these changes yourself.
Remember that work permit holders can only work for their designated employers in the specified occupation. Changes must be approved before implementation.
Changing your employment status can affect your work permit validity in several ways.
The standard Work Permit is 2 years, subject to passport validity, security bond, and employment period. When changing status, this timeline may be affected.
If your occupation changes significantly, your employer may need to meet different eligibility criteria or quota requirements. This could affect whether your work permit can be renewed.
Important Considerations:
Changes must be approved before implementation
You can only work for one employer
Unauthorized work arrangements will lead to permit cancellation
Both you and your employer will face penalties for violation
Violating Singapore’s work permit regulations will result in serious penalties for both employers and employees. The government strictly enforces these rules to maintain workforce integrity and protect all parties involved.
Employers who allow work permit holders to take part-time jobs outside their approved employment will face stiff penalties. These can be fines of up to S$5,000 per violation and imprisonment for up to 6 months for serious cases.
Repeat offenders will face even harsher punishments. MOM actively investigates reports of illegal employment arrangements.
Your company may also be restricted from hiring foreign workers for a period of time if found non-compliant. This will severely impact your business operations especially if you rely heavily on foreign talent.
The authorities may cancel current work permits and reject future applications, disrupting your workforce planning and operations.
As a work permit holder, you must understand that working outside your designated employment is strictly prohibited. Your work permit clearly states you can only work for the employer and in the occupation specified in your permit.
Violations will result in immediate cancellation of your work permit and repatriation to your home country. You may also be permanently banned from working in Singapore in the future.
MOM explicitly states that work pass holders must not take on additional jobs or engage in activities to earn additional income in Singapore. This applies even if the additional work is temporary or part-time.
If you’re found working illegally, you might lose the opportunity to appeal the decision, leaving you with few options but to leave the country.
Work permit holders in Singapore have access to various support systems to help navigate employment regulations. These include dedicated advisory services and government programs designed to protect and assist foreign workers.
If you need guidance about your work permit conditions or have concerns about part-time work restrictions, several organizations can help.
MOM offers direct consultation services where you can clarify your employment rights and responsibilities.
Non-governmental organizations like Migrant Workers’ Centre provide free legal advice and support for migrant workers. Their hotline is available 24/7 for urgent concerns.
Your embassy or consulate in Singapore can also offer country-specific assistance. They often maintain resources tailored to their citizens working abroad.
For workplace disputes, you can approach the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) for mediation services.
The Singapore government has programs to help work permit holders in difficulty.
The Temporary Job Scheme allows foreign workers to be transferred to another employer if their original employer has business difficulties.
MOM’s Foreign Worker Assistance Programme provides assistance in emergencies. This includes temporary accommodation, meal allowance, and medical assistance when needed.
The Migrant Workers’ Assistance Fund helps workers with valid claims against employers who cannot pay salaries or medical bills. You can apply through appointed social service agencies.
For skills enhancement, the Skills Development Fund subsidizes training courses that can improve your employability within your work sector. These courses are designed to be flexible with your work schedule.
For domestic workers, the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) assists with employment-related issues and ensures that foreign domestic workers are treated fairly.
Work Permit holders in Singapore cannot take part-time jobs. According to Singapore’s rules, these workers can only work for the employer specified in their Work Permit.
Taking on additional jobs or starting your own business is not allowed for Work Permit holders. This applies even if the part-time work is in the same sector as your main job.
Authorities have confirmed there are no plans to change this policy. This restriction is to maintain clear employment relationships and prevent exploitation.
If you’re a Work Permit holder, remember that violation of these conditions can result in:
Cancellation of your Work Permit
Being banned from working in Singapore
Fines or penalties
Deportation in serious cases
For those looking for flexibility, note that different rules apply to other visa categories. Dependant’s Pass holders can apply for work passes if they want to work legally.
Your compliance with these rules is essential to your legal status in Singapore.
If you’re an employment agent or employment agency helping foreign workers, you must educate your clients about these rules. Employers must ensure their work pass holders comply with all conditions to avoid penalties.
Always check with MOM guidelines if you have questions about your situation.
Alternatively, you can reach out to us for all work pass-related matters.
