The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced that, effective November 29, 2026, both Malaysian and non-Malaysian workers who need to start work before their Work Permit (WP) is issued must apply for a Temporary Permit (TP) through the Work Permit eService on myMOM Portal.
An employer of a non-Malaysian worker applying from November 29, 2026, can apply for a TP on the day they need to start work. They may also apply in advance, before the worker arrives in Singapore, but the TP will only be granted from the second day after arrival.
An employer of a Malaysian worker can apply for a TP after receiving the in-principle approval (IPA) letter, when the worker is in Singapore.
Once the application is submitted, the TP will be granted instantly for eligible workers.
Currently, the IPA letter allows non-Malaysian workers to start work from their second day of arrival in Singapore, while Malaysian workers may apply for a TP via WP Online if they wish to start work before their work permit is issued.
Also from November 29, 2026, an employer must log in to the Work Permit eService on myMOM Portal, instead of WP Online, to manage Work Permit holders’ personal and employment details or to extend the validity of their IPA.
More information is available here.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news becomes available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.