Temporary Work Permit Singapore: What Changes on 29 November

The temporary work permit in Singapore becomes a deliberate choice for employers on 29 November 2026. For Work Permit applications submitted from that date, a new migrant worker can start work only once the permit is issued or the employer has obtained a Temporary Permit (TP) on myMOM Portal. Under the current process, a non-Malaysian worker's in-principle approval (IPA) letter lets them start work from their second day in Singapore. MOM's November 2026 enhancements page sets out the change, which also moves the day the levy starts.

For an employer bringing in Work Permit holders, it changes how you plan a new worker's first week. Migrant domestic workers' permits use a separate MOM eService and are not covered.

What changes on 29 November 2026?

Today, MOM's briefing shows two routes. A non-Malaysian worker holding an IPA may start work one day after arriving, and the levy starts then even if you do not need them yet. A Malaysian worker needs a TP, applied for through WP Online, to start before the permit is issued.

From 29 November 2026 there is one process for everyone. MOM says the time taken to issue a Work Permit has fallen and asks employers to get it issued as soon as possible; a TP is for a worker who must start urgently. The briefing is plain: workers are not allowed to start work without an issued Work Permit or TP.

What counts is when the application (or appeal) was submitted, not when the worker arrives: an application filed on 27 November stays on the old process even if the worker lands in December. If unsure, check the date on the IPA letter.

When can a new Work Permit holder start work?

From 29 November 2026, on one of two days:

1. The day the Work Permit is issued. MOM's Apply for a Work Permit page says issuance on myMOM Portal is immediate once the worker is in Singapore, and the notification letter lets them start work before the card arrives.
2. The day the TP is granted. For a non-Malaysian worker, apply on the day they need to start or in advance, but the TP is granted only from the second day after arrival. For a Malaysian worker, apply after the IPA, once they are in Singapore.

The issuance steps decide the timing. The same page asks for a medical examination within two weeks of arrival, and for a newly arrived non-Malaysian worker's permit to be issued within 14 days. If that worker's medical results or new passport will not be ready in time, request a Special Pass on the Work Permit eService and the IPA is extended automatically. Non-Malaysian men in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors also complete an Onboard programme of up to three days.

Do I need a Temporary Work Permit?

Only if the worker has to start before the permit can be issued; MOM's briefing says to apply only if required. Settle these first:

• Can the permit be issued within a day or two? Book the medical examination early and have the passport, a Singapore address that meets housing requirements and authorised card recipients ready. If issuance is close, a TP buys little.
• Is the worker eligible? Malaysian workers changing employer, overstayers, Dependant's Pass holders, Long-Term Visit Pass holders and current Work Permit holders cannot apply for a TP.
• Onboard programme? Apply before the worker completes it and levy runs from the TP date, Onboard days included.
• Is the worker here? The TP letter is available only once the worker is in Singapore; give them a copy.

How the change affects the levy: a worked example (illustrative)

MOM's levy page (updated 1 July 2026) says levy liability starts from the day the Temporary Work Permit or Work Permit is issued, whichever is earlier. MOM's briefing says that under the current process the levy starts one day after a non-Malaysian worker arrives; under the new one, you choose.

Take a fictional zi char restaurant in Bedok run by Mdm Lim, with Arun as operations manager, hiring a basic-skilled kitchen assistant from China. Its Work Permit holders sit in Tier 1 (up to 10% of the workforce), where MOM's services sector page (updated 16 September 2026) sets the basic-skilled levy at $450 a month or $14.80 a day. The daily rate applies to part months.

The worker lands on day 0. The medical examination is on day 2, the results come back and the permit is issued on day 6.

• Application submitted before 29 November: levy runs from day 1, so days 1 to 5 cost 5 x $14.80 = $74.00 before the permit is issued, whether or not the worker is in the kitchen.
• Submitted from 29 November, no TP: levy starts on day 6, so days 1 to 5 cost $0, but there is no work either.
• Submitted from 29 November, TP from day 3 because Arun needs help for a busy weekend: levy runs from day 3, so 3 x $14.80 = $44.40, in exchange for three working days.

The sums are small; the decision is operational: is three days of work worth $44.40, or is it better to chase the clinic and issue the permit sooner? Decide it in your hiring checklist, not on the day.

What moves from WP Online to myMOM Portal?

MOM's Work Permit eService enhancements page (updated 14 October 2026) says Issue moved to myMOM Portal in May 2026 and Cancel in July 2026. From 29 November 2026:

• Foreigner Profile: one page with a worker's particulars, occupation, employment history and security bond status, where you update employment details such as salary. With consent, you can view a prospective hire's employment history.
• Extend IPA validity: for a worker who cannot reach Singapore before the IPA expires, with immediate confirmation and the letter emailed to you. MOM's IPA page allows one extension of up to one month, requested at least a week before expiry.
• Still on WP Online: updating a worker's particulars and occupation, which MOM is working to move in 2027.

A checklist before your next Work Permit application

1. Check Corppass access. Per MOM's myMOM Portal page, your Corppass admin must assign myMOM Portal to you, alongside WP Online access. Appoint a second administrator.
2. Note the application date: on or after 29 November 2026 means the new rules.
3. Prepare before arrival: a security bond in effect when a non-Malaysian worker lands, medical insurance, work injury compensation insurance where it applies, and housing.
4. Book the medical examination for the first working day after arrival.
5. Decide the start date in advance: wait for issuance or apply for a TP, and who applies.
6. Brief supervisors: no start without the notification letter or a TP letter. MOM's IPA page notes that employing a foreigner without a valid work pass is a criminal offence.
7. Watch the 14-day line for non-Malaysian workers and request a Special Pass if issuance will slip.

See also our first-employee checklist, the phantom workers guide on work pass declarations, the SME compliance calendar and more under operations.

Common questions