Written Consent Before a Work Pass Application or Renewal

Obtain Consent Before Applying

Employers must obtain the foreigner’s written consent before every new application or renewal, for all work-pass types. It protects both parties if a dispute arises. Any document showing agreement to employment by that employer can suffice, including a signed employment contract. MOM does not prescribe a particular format, but verbal consent is insufficient.

If the Foreigner Disputes the Application

A foreigner who objects to an application made on their behalf may contact MOM. MOM will ask the employer to produce the written consent and may take action if it cannot be produced. Employers should therefore retain the consent document rather than relying on an informal conversation.

Check the Consent File Before Submission

For an EP application, MOM places obtaining written consent before completing and submitting the candidate's application. A prepared application form, an agent's appointment or an expected approval is not a substitute for the candidate's agreement to employment by the employer. Keep the consent decision separate from the later decision on whether the candidate qualifies for the pass.

The following is a practical file check rather than a mandatory template. Identify the employer named in the consent document; match the candidate to the application; and check that the record clearly shows agreement to that employment. A signed employment contract is one accepted example, but MOM does not require everyone to use that particular document. Do not turn the absence of a prescribed form into a reason to rely on a telephone conversation.

For a renewal, check the written-consent position again before submitting the new transaction. Keep the supporting document retrievable so the employer can produce it if MOM asks after a dispute. The cited FAQ specifies neither a special signature format nor a retention period; this checklist does not add either. If the candidate objects, refer to MOM's contact channels rather than submitting on the assumption that earlier conversations resolved the issue.