SUBSIDISED HEALTH CARE FOR EMPLOYMENT PASS HOLDERS AND DEPENDANTS OF WORK PERMIT HOLDERS

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for Manpower why employment pass holders and dependants of three-year work permit holders are eligible for subsidised health care whilst dependants of Singapore citizens are not.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Employment Pass holders are eligible for medical subsidies because they contribute economically to the Singapore economy. This is in line with ongoing efforts to ensure that talents feel welcome in Singapore and their stay here is not made unduly difficult.

All foreign dependants of both Singapore citizens and non-citizens do not qualify for medical subsidies. An exception was made some years ago for dependants of 3-year Work Permit holders.

However, with effect from 1st September 1998, foreign employees are issued with P, Q and R work passes. P and Q work pass holders are classified as Employment Pass holders, hence their dependants are not eligible for subsidised health care. When existing 3-year Work Permit holders change employers, they will have to re-apply for Q work passes. Dependants of Q work pass holders, like dependants of all other Employment Pass holders, are also not eligible for medical subsidies. If there is no break of employment, their dependants will continue to enjoy the medical subsidies granted previously.