Why is My Singapore Employment Pass Rejected?

Insufficient Funds at the Company

MOM foresees that it is not financially feasible for the Company to hire a work pass holder. MOM uses a period of 12 months of employment and should see adequate funds in the company bank account. If not, they will deliberately reject the EP application and advise for the Company to hire locals instead.

To curb the problem, it is advisable for the Company’s bank account to always have sufficient funds to cover the candidate’s 12 months’ salary payable together with their business operation expenses.

For example:

• Declared salary of EP holder per month: $5,000
• Estimate overheads of business operations per year:$100,000
• Funds in the company bank account should cover:
  • 12 months of salary payable: $60,000
  • Estimate 10% of overheads: $1,000

Total: Minimum $61,000 in company bank account

3. Significant Leap in Candidate’s Salary

A noticeable increase in salary compared to the candidate’s previous employment is a frequent rejection reason.

• Solution: Set a salary range within 30% of the previous salary.
• Tip: Use MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to check eligibility based on the proposed salary before submission.

4. Job Scope and Qualifications Do Not Match

MOM carefully reviews the candidate’s educational background, work experience, salary offered, and market demand for the occupation.

• Solution: Ensure the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience align with the job scope.
• Letters of recommendation and supporting documentation can significantly enhance approval chances.

5. Position Can Be Easily Replaced by a Singaporean

Singapore’s policy focuses on inclusive workforce growth, prioritizing local talent. If the role can be easily filled by a Singaporean, the EP application faces a higher chance of rejection.

• Solution: Highlight specialized or niche skills, such as cultural expertise or unique technical skills, that make the candidate indispensable.

6. Applicant Did Not Fulfil Eligibility Criteria

Not all candidates with a minimum salary of SGD 5,000 automatically qualify. Using the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) ensures that age, experience, skills, and job scope align with MOM’s eligibility criteria before applying.

7. Discrepancies in Personal Information

Incomplete or inaccurate personal details, academic qualifications, work history, or achievements can lead to rejection.

• Example: Educational certifications from China or India may require additional verification.
• Tip: Submit only verifiable documents and ensure the entire verification process is complete before submission.

Reducing EP Rejection Rate

To maximize approval chances:

• Engage a licensed MOM employment agency to handle the application.
• Ensure all documentation is accurate and eligibility criteria are met.
• Address potential red flags proactively to streamline MOM assessment.

Appealing a Rejected EP Application

Only the employer or licensed agent can appeal within 3 months.
Appeals require addressing the specific reasons mentioned in the rejection letter.
MOM typically takes 6 weeks to process an appeal.
Employers can track the status via EP Online.

How to Reduce EP Rejection Risk

Securing an Employment Pass in Singapore requires meticulous planning. Some practical steps to reduce the rejection rate include:

1. Engage a MOM-Licensed Agency
   Professional agencies, like Paul Hype Page, have extensive experience in handling work visa applications. They ensure that all potential red flags, such as insufficient company funds or documentation gaps, are addressed proactively before submission.
2. Verify Eligibility Before Applying
   Using MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) ensures that your salary, age, experience, and job scope align with the requirements. This avoids unnecessary rejections due to eligibility mismatches.
3. Prepare Accurate Documentation
   Ensure all personal details, employment history, educational certificates, and achievements are verified and complete. For foreign qualifications, such as those from China or India, complete the additional verification process before submission.
4. Demonstrate Company Capability
   The employing company must show financial stability, with funds sufficient to cover 12 months of the candidate’s salary and operational overheads. This demonstrates the company’s ability to sustain the employment long-term.
5. Provide Niche Skills Evidence
   If the position could be filled by a local, highlight specialized skills, cultural knowledge, or technical expertise that make the foreign professional indispensable. Letters of recommendation or endorsements can strengthen the application.

Appealing an EP Rejection

Even after a rejection, there is a structured appeal process:

• Who Can Appeal: Only the employer or a licensed MOM agent can submit an appeal. Individual candidates cannot appeal directly.
• Timeframe: Appeals must be lodged within 3 months of the rejection.
• Processing Time: MOM typically takes 6 weeks to review appeals.
• Strategy: Address all issues mentioned in the rejection letter. This ensures the appeal is specific and targeted rather than generic, increasing the likelihood of approval.
• Tracking: Employers can monitor the appeal status via EP Online.

Singapore Work Visa Options Beyond EP

Even if your EP application is rejected, other work visas may still be available:

1. S Pass – For mid-level skilled professionals earning below EP thresholds.
2. EntrePass (EP) – For foreign entrepreneurs looking to start or operate a business in Singapore.
3. Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) – For high-earning professionals and executives, providing flexibility to work with multiple employers or seek employment without a prior job offer.

Note: EP rejection does not prevent you from applying for these other passes as long as you meet their respective eligibility requirements.

Key Takeaways for Singapore Employment Pass Applicants

• Ensure your company demonstrates financial stability and recruitment efforts for locals.
• Align your salary expectations with MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool recommendations.
• Highlight unique skills or niche expertise that cannot be easily replaced by Singaporeans.
• Verify all personal and educational information thoroughly.
• Engage a licensed agency to improve success rates and navigate complex MOM processes.

By following these steps, foreign professionals and entrepreneurs can significantly increase their chances of EP approval, ensuring a smoother relocation and career path in Singapore.