Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) have received an appeal made on Mr Uddin Sharif’s behalf by a resident of Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC during the Meet-the-People’s session on 29 May 2024. ICA and MOM have reviewed the appeal, and will not be granting an extension of Mr Sharif’s current Special Pass beyond 31 May 2024.

As mentioned in the joint SPF-MOM statement on 28 May 2024, Mr Sharif had been given sufficient time since the termination of his work permit on 11 April 2024 to seek employment under the Temporary Job Scheme (TJS), even while SPF’s investigations into the unlicensed moneylenders harassment reports were ongoing. MOM and the Migrant Workers’ Centre had linked him up with employment agencies to support his job search under the TJS. Upon Mr Sharif’s request on 9 May 2024, MOM also provided him with an email confirmation of his TJS eligibility on 13 May 2024. We understand that Mr Sharif had turned down job offers including working as a packer and a hotel cleaner.

As police investigations into the case have concluded, and Mr Sharif has not found new employment, he has to leave Singapore. Mr Sharif’s Special Pass was originally due to expire on 24 May 2024, but in view of his request for additional time to make departure arrangements, it was extended to 27 May 2024. The authorities had then granted a further extension to 31 May 2024, given the circumstances of his case.

Should Mr Sharif wish to return to Singapore for work in the future, he will have to apply afresh for a work permit based on the prevailing criteria.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
MINISTRY OF MANPOWER
30 MAY 2024