Ministry of Manpower Difficult to use the MOM website
I have to apply for a letter of consent to employ a worker who has a dependent pass.

I searched Google for "Letter of Consent - Ministry of Manpower" and was brought to the EPOnline website. 

I registered into the website with my email, SingPass and company code and was told that the service was only not available as it was outside of the operating hours. 

As this is an online service which manages the process automatically, why can't MOM allow 24 hour access? It was inconsiderate of them. 

I returned the following day during working hours and logged in. I was told that my company account had been de-activated and I had to re-apply for it. It was an inconsiderate requirement, but I bore with it.

I searched for a link to create a new account. I could not find it. I searched a few webpages and could not find it. Why does MOM make this important activity hidden from the user?

I had to go to a Google search to "Open a new account with the Ministry of Manpower". Google brought me to the direct page. I went to create a new company account.

I now have to login and search for the application for "Letter of Consent". Before I reach that page, I had to go through a few detailed webpages which required me to read an confirm my agreement to their terms and conditions. 

I trusted MOM to be reasonable, so I accept the responsibility without having to spend half an hour to go through the wordings. Why did MOM want to approach this legalistic approach? Does a government have to deal with a citizen in this manner?

I came to the page that requires me to submitted detailed information for the application. I did. On submitting it, I got a message that the applicant had an existing letter of consent that had to be canceled. The applicant did ask the previous employer to cancel the letter, but they have not done so yet.

Why do I, as the new employer, be subject to this uncertainly and delay. Surely, it would be easier for MOM to accept my application first and send out their approval after the previous employer canceled their earlier letter?

This problem in the website of the MOM had existed for several years. Their process is inconsiderate and takes a lot of time from the employer that could be avoided. 

I hope that MOM will read and react to this feedback.

Tan Kin Lian
 

Add Comment

---