Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a SP card?

Response: In most cases, the SP card is issued to a person after his/her passport is held by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) or the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for safekeeping. SP cards are issued for specific purposes, such as assisting in investigations, appearing in court, etc. The MOM and the ICA are the only issuing authorities for such cards. The SP card legalises the stay of such foreigners in Singapore.

2. Are SP card holders allowed to leave Singapore?

Response: Unless otherwise approved by the MOM, SP card holders whose passports have been held by the MOM for safekeeping are not allowed to leave Singapore.

3. How long does it usually take for the MOM to investigate such cases?

Response: The MOM does not usually provide SP card holders with information on the duration of their investigation. The duration of MOM’s investigation will depend on several factors, including: (a) the complexity of the investigation; (b) the nature of the investigation; and (c) the workload of the relevant investigation division. In our experience, typical investigation durations range from several months to several years.

4. What can my lawyer do for me?

Response: The lawyer whom you hire would be able to communicate with the MOM on your behalf, including sending emails to the MOM and speaking with MOM officers to inquire about, amongst other matters: (a) the basis and/or nature of the investigation; (b) the status of the investigation; (c) the relevant legislation which you may be in breach of; (d) whether there is a target date for the completion of the investigation; and (e) whether your passport can be returned to you while the investigation is ongoing.

5. What is the typical sentence for such cases?

Response: Any potential sentence will depend on whether you have committed an offence and if so, the offence which you are charged with. MOM would not be able to confirm this with you while investigations are ongoing. Any potential charges will only be disclosed after the MOM investigation is completed and when the case is handed over to the legal department of the MOM or the Attorney General’s Chambers.

6. As a SP card holder, am I allowed to work?

Response: Foreigners holding SP cards cannot work in Singapore. An SP card holder who wishes to work in Singapore is required to apply for a work pass from the MOM. It is illegal for SP card holders to work in Singapore without a valid work pass, and such persons will be dealt with in accordance with relevant law.

7. How can I check and verify the validity of a SP card holder’s stay in Singapore?

Response: For SP cards issued by the MOM, you can use the SGWorkPass (SGWP) app (which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store) to scan the QR code on the back of the SP card to verify the validity period. If the SP card has expired and the SP card holder has not left Singapore, the SP card holder will be deemed to have overstayed. Under Singapore law, it is a crime to provide food or shelter to immigration offenders (overstayers or illegal immigrants).

For further information and inquiries about the SP card issued by the MOM, please visit www.mom.gov.sg/sgworkpass or call the MOM Contact Centre at 6438 5122.

If you would like information and/or assistance on the above or any other area of law, you may wish to contact the author of the article, whose details are as follows:

Waltson Tan Director +65 8079 0028 waltson@tjylaw.com.sg

Office address: 101A Upper Cross Street #13-11, People’s Park Centre Singapore 058358