work permit

DEFINITION

Refers to a work permit for foreign workers.

ETYMOLOGY

• As early as the 1970s, Singapore encountered a shortage of labour. In response, the Government relaxed immigration laws and issued work permits.
• In 1973, to minimise possible social problems, the Government required all work permit holders who intended to apply for Singapore permanent residency or Singapore citizenship to obtain approval from the Commissioner of Employment before they could marry Singaporeans.
• At present, work permits are classified into four categories: 1. work Permit for Foreign Worker, which is mainly issued to semi-skilled labourers from the construction, manufacturing, shipyard and service sectors; 2. Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Worker; 3. Work Permit for Confinement Nanny; and 4. Work Permit for Performing Artiste.

SAMPLE SENTENCE

Although some employers are unable to hire locals to fill certain job vacancies, Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say said, to improve the overall quality of employees in Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower will not relax the regulations on S Pass and work permits. (Lianhe Zaobao, 9/3/2018)

TERMS USED IN OTHER REGIONS

外国人工作许可证 (Mainland China)