Written Answer to PQ on Work Privileges for Students on DPs

NOTICE PAPER NO. 520 OF 2026 FOR A SITTING ON OR AFTER 4 MARCH 2026
QUESTION NO. 1028 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

MP: Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the policy rationale for prohibiting Dependant Pass (DP) holders enrolled in local educational institutions from part-time employment without a separate work pass; (b) whether this policy accounts for prevalence of foreign manpower in the relevant sectors of part-time employment; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider permitting part-time work for DP-holding students, to support internship and work-study requirements.

Answer:

Dependant’s Pass holders enrolled in eligible local educational institutions are allowed to work if the work is part of their course requirements. They will need to apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) before they start work.

2. As this policy is meant to support course requirements, it does not need to account for the prevalence of foreign manpower across different sectors.