In Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) offers various permits and passes to facilitate employment for foreign nationals. Among these, the Letter of Consent (LOC) and the Pre-Approved Letter of Consent (PLOC) are two important documents that enable eligible individuals to work in Singapore. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are key differences between the two.

Letter of Consent (LOC)

A Letter of Consent (LOC) is an authorization certificate issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that allows eligible Dependant Pass (DP) holders, Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) holders, and LTVP+ holders to work in Singapore or to join or set up an ACRA-registered business. The LOC application process is initiated by the employer or an appointed service provider (licensed employment agent) through an online portal.

To be eligible for an LOC, applicants must have a valid DP, LTVP, or LTVP+ for at least three months. Additionally, LTVP and LTVP+ holders need a confirmed job offer from a Singapore company. The LOC is tied to the specific job and employer, meaning that if the LOC holder changes jobs, a new LOC application must be submitted.

Pre-Approved Letter of Consent (PLOC)

The Pre-Approved Letter of Consent (PLOC) is designed to offer more flexibility compared to the standard LOC. The PLOC allows eligible LTVP and LTVP+ holders who are spouses or children under 21 of Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents to work in Singapore without needing a confirmed job offer. This means that PLOC holders can secure and switch jobs without having to reapply for a new LOC each time they change employers.

The PLOC is applied for during the application or renewal process of an LTVP or LTVP+, coordinated with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore. This streamlined process ensures that eligible individuals can start working as soon as they receive their PLOC, without the need for additional applications or approvals from MOM.

Key Differences

  1. Job Offer Requirement: One of the main differences between an LOC and a PLOC is the requirement for a job offer. A LOC requires a confirmed job offer from a Singapore employer before the application can be submitted. In contrast, a PLOC does not require a job offer, allowing the holder to seek employment more freely.
  2. Flexibility in Employment: The PLOC offers greater flexibility as it is not tied to a specific employer. PLOC holders can change jobs without needing to reapply for a new LOC. On the other hand, LOC holders must reapply for a new LOC if they change employers.
  3. Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility criteria for a LOC and a PLOC also differ. While both require a valid LTVP or LTVP+, the PLOC is specifically available to spouses or children under 21 of Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents. The LOC, however, is available to a broader group, including DP holders.
  4. Application Process: The application process for an LOC involves the employer or a licensed employment agent applying through the MOM online portal. For a PLOC, the application is made during the LTVP or LTVP+ application or renewal process with the ICA.

In summary, while both the LOC and PLOC facilitate employment for eligible individuals in Singapore, the PLOC offers greater flexibility and ease of employment without the need for a confirmed job offer. Understanding these differences can help individuals and employers navigate the application processes more effectively and make informed decisions about their employment options in Singapore.

Yours sincerely,

The editorial team at Raffles Corporate Services