Ministry of Manpower (MOM)

Q: What are the key areas MOM regulates for employers?

&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(27, 28, 29)&quot;&gt;MOM regulates employment practices (e.g., salary payments, leave), workplace safety and health, foreign worker employment (including quotas and levies), and the issuance of all work passes.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Q: What is an Employment Pass (EP)?

&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(27, 28, 29)&quot;&gt;An Employment Pass is a work visa issued by MOM for foreign professionals, managers, and executives who meet specific criteria for salary, qualifications, and experience.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Q: Do I need MOM approval to hire local employees?

&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(27, 28, 29)&quot;&gt;While you don&#x27;t need specific approval to hire Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, you must adhere to all MOM regulations regarding their employment terms, CPF contributions, and workplace rights.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Last Updated 25 Jul 2025

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is the Singapore government ministry that formulates and implements all labor policies. It is responsible for setting and enforcing workforce standards, ensuring workplace safety, and managing all employment regulations, including those for foreign workers.

Why is MOM Important?

Businesses must strictly comply with MOM regulations on everything from employment contracts and working hours to foreign worker quotas and applying for work passes (like the Employment Pass or S Pass). Non-compliance can lead to fines, loss of work pass privileges, and legal repercussions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key areas MOM regulates for employers?

MOM regulates employment practices (e.g., salary payments, leave), workplace safety and health, foreign worker employment (including quotas and levies), and the issuance of all work passes.

What is an Employment Pass (EP)?

An Employment Pass is a work visa issued by MOM for foreign professionals, managers, and executives who meet specific criteria for salary, qualifications, and experience.

Do I need MOM approval to hire local employees?

While you don't need specific approval to hire Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, you must adhere to all MOM regulations regarding their employment terms, CPF contributions, and workplace rights.