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Virginia, US
New Online Portal to Replace Employment Pass Online System
Singapore
At a glance
- A new user-friendly e-service will eventually replace the Employment Pass online application system (EP Online) in Singapore.
- The system will be rolled out in phases (new Employment Passes and S Passes on June 11, followed by Dependant's Pass/Long-Term Visit Pass, Letters of Consent, among other types of applications, at a later date).
- The new tool is expected to go live in full by April 2021.
The situation
A new e-service will eventually replace the Employment Pass Online system (EP Online) in Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) intends to roll out the system in phases, starting with new Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass applications on June 11.
A closer look
The new portal is intended to provide an improved digital experience and to be a more user-friendly and intuitive tool for users. Specific information is available on MOM’s website.
Background
- History of EP Online. The EP Online system was introduced in 2008 and has significantly improved the immigration process for EP applications by removing the need for employers to submit paper documents and visit the MOM.
- Singapore as a global tech leader. Digitized immigration processes are growing around the world and Singapore has been a leader in technology in government services. The country has implemented many successful online systems for government services, including for tax and housing administration. The immigration systems used in Singapore are an example of how online platforms can improve efficiency and speed up processing relative to in-person processes.
Impact
- Transition to new system. Employers will need to use the new portal when it is launched for their application type. Employers can submit EP and S Pass applications on the EP Online system until June 8, but will not be able to submit these applications on the EP Online system on or after June 11. Draft applications saved on EP Online will not be transferred to the new system.
- Future phases. The MOM has stated in press briefings that the next phase of implementation will likely take place between September and December 2020, for issuances and cancellations. The MOM has not announced when other types of applications (Dependant's Pass/Long-Term Visit Pass, Letters of Consent, renewals, withdrawals, appeals, data updates, etc.) will be transitioned to the new system. In the meantime, there will be a need to navigate through both the myMOM Portal and EP Online and WP (Work Permit) Online systems during the transition.
Looking ahead
- Full implementation in 2021. The new tool is expected to go live in full by April 2021. Fragomen will report on the status of the system at that time.
- National elections. The Singapore general election is still expected to occur before April 2021. The future state of immigration policy in Singapore will likely be steered in the direction of protecting local workers and raising standards for the foreign workforce, as is demonstrated in Singapore by recent changes over the last decade.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].