SingaporeMy employer keeps my passport. Is this legal?
No, it is illegal for your employer to keep your passport in Singapore. The Employment Act prohibits employers from withholding employees’ personal documents.
What the Law Says
The Employment Act explicitly forbids employers from withholding employees’ passports or other personal documents.
Under Singapore law, your passport is your personal property and remains under your sole control at all times. Employers have no legal authority — contractual or otherwise — to retain it, even with your consent, for purposes such as 'security', 'administrative processing', or 'visa sponsorship'.
This prohibition applies to all employees covered by the Employment Act, including foreign workers and domestic workers. There are no exceptions based on nationality, work pass type, or employment duration.
Statutory TextNo employer shall withhold the passport or other personal documents of any employee.
— Employment Act 1968, s. 2 — Interpretation
What to Do
Politely but firmly request your passport back in writing (e.g., email or letter).
If refused, contact the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) immediately via their hotline (6438 5122) or online feedback form.
File a formal complaint with MOM — they can investigate and order the employer to return your passport without delay.
If you fear retaliation, know that the law protects you: employers who retaliate may face additional penalties under the Employment Act.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.