Special Pass

Explain Like I’m Five

A Special Pass records a specific reason for someone’s stay, such as assisting an investigation or attending court; it can also be issued to stateless people residing here. ICA and MOM issue Special Pass cards, and ICA also issues an electronic version.

Where You’ll Run Into It

In official documents or reporting about someone required to remain in Singapore for a particular purpose. The card and e-Special Pass are physical and electronic forms of the same document concept.

Example

“The report says the witness has a Special Pass. Does that mean an Employment Pass?”

No. An Employment Pass is a work-pass category. A Special Pass may instead document the witness’s permitted stay for court proceedings.

The Part People Get Wrong

“Special Pass” is not another name for “S Pass”, which MOM lists as a work pass for skilled workers. A migrant domestic worker’s Work Permit is another separate work-pass category.

ICA says Special Pass holders generally cannot work on that pass alone. It identifies an exception for stateless residents whose employer obtains a Letter of Consent from MOM. The document’s name therefore cannot settle an individual’s employment permission.