The Most Common Types of Background Checks in Singapore

Successful and safe recruitment is dependent on carrying out the right checks. This  not only protects company and customer interests, but also ensures compliance. Whether or not roles are permanent, remote, contract, part-time or full-time, staff have access to company property and data, as well as other co-workers or customers, which can put business security and wellbeing at risk. This is why background screening is so important, especially in Singapore where the job market is competitive and dynamic. 

The Importance of Background Checks in Singapore

There are many reasons why companies in Singapore need to conduct background checks on potential employees. One major reason is that they receive applicants with discrepancies between their work history, educational degrees, or other work related information. In fact, diploma fraud is a persistent problem in the country. 

This is why hiring people on their declared merits alone is an ineffective strategy because it leaves businesses vulnerable to hiring the wrong person, with inauthentic credentials, who may pose a threat to the organisation's reputation. This makes background checks a key part of any recruitment process. So, what are the most common types of background checks in Singapore? 

Comprehensive Types of Background Checks in Singapore

Below are the common types of pre-employment checks in Singapore:

Employment History Verification

First in the list of common types of background checks in Singapore is employment verification. This is a common practice in Singapore and it is usually done before making a final hiring decision.

They can do this by contacting the previous employer and checking details like: 

• Roles held
• Duration of employment
• Awards and recognitions received
• Reason for leaving

An important thing to note here is that the Ministry of Manpower has mandated that some foreign workers may need to submit employment verification proof to obtain a work pass (ie. employment pass, S pass). However, the government only accepts proof from an accredited background screening provider like Veremark. 

It is suggested not to contact previous employers more than once, unless there is an urgent need to do so as a show of respect. Hence, it's best to prepare everything you need to ask to not miss anything.

Reference Checks

Employers are also recommended to conduct reference checks as part of their Singapore background check. Getting in touch with a previous colleague or supervisor can further verify their employment history and reveal vital information, including:

• Strengths and weaknesses
• Personality, characteristics, and attitude toward work
• Professional development and key learning areas 
• Contributions to the company 

Here’s a guide on How To Conduct Efficient Reference Checks (with a Free Template) and a list of Reference Check Questions for an informed hiring decision. 

Education Background Check for Foreign Workers in Singapore

Academic achievement verification is one of the most requested types of background checks in Singapore, particularly for foreign job seekers. Because foreign applicants come from various countries, academic qualifications might not meet international standards. Additionally, there may also be a risk of fraud (which is considered a gross misconduct) with applicants falsifying their educational history. 

It's the responsibility of Singapore employers to make sure that their candidates' educational qualifications are genuine and have been awarded by accredited institutions. On the work permit or work pass application, employers would need to submit a verification proof that can only be obtained from a third-party background check provider accredited by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), like Veremark. 

Learn more about Veremark’s Singapore MOM Education Check here.  

Criminal Background Checks

Pre-employment background checks in Singapore also commonly include criminal records checks. This is achieved through a Certificate of Clearance (COC) issued by the Singapore Police Force (SPF). The COC certifies that a candidate has no conviction within a stipulated period in Singapore. 

Singapore citizens can easily apply for this online. For foreign workers, employers are required to conduct criminal background checks in their origin country. However, running criminal background checks on foreign applicants can be challenging due to several barriers, including varying legal systems, language barriers, and the lack of access to comprehensive international databases. 

Partnering with a reliable background screening provider addresses these concerns.  They have expertise in global screening processes, access to international databases, and familiarity with legal requirements across different jurisdictions, ensuring thorough and accurate background checks for foreign applicants.

Global Sanctions

On top of criminal background checks, Singaporean employers may also run Global Sanctions Check. It validates if your potential employees don't appear on any sanctions watchlists, this can make it easier for you to comply with regulations like the AML Act or the Patriot Act. 

Social Media Screening 

Checking an applicant's activities on social media can provide valuable insights into their character, professionalism, and potential red flags that may not be evident from their resume or interviews alone. As a result, employment background checks in Singapore now often include social media screening. 

This type of background check can reveal the candidate’s:

• Communication style
• Interactions with others
• Concerning behaviours or attitudes

Adverse Financial History and Credit Checks 

Although not as common as the other checks mentioned above, some companies still run employment credit checks in Singapore. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• The Credit Bureau Singapore may provide credit reports to eligible companies to help them make informed hiring decisions. This is especially true for bank and financial organisations regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). 
• When required or helpful, Singaporean employers may not only conduct credit assessment as a pre employment requirement; they may also run it periodically. 
• Likewise, credit and adverse financial checks are not only for high-ranking officials. Employees with certain responsibilities may also be subjected to this type of background check.  

Learn more about Veremark’s Adverse Financial History check here. 

Expatriate Background Checks

Background Check is sometimes required for employees who are about to be transferred from Singapore to another country as part of an overseas assignment. The most common reason for this requirement is that the company does not want to take the risk of sending an individual abroad and then finding out later on that they have a bad record or some other form of background issue.

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Timeframe and Legal Considerations

How Long Does An Employee Background Check Take In Singapore?

A Singaporean company is usually required to conduct a background check on employees before hiring them or in the early stages of onboarding. This process can take up 1 day or a few weeks. The time taken for the background check may vary depending on the company's requirements, the type of background check, the information provided by the applicant, and the quality of the partner chosen to run the background checks. Learn more about How Long a Background Check Takes here.

What Are The Legal Frameworks Governing Employment Background Checks in Singapore?

Background checks are legal in Singapore, however, employers must follow the laws that govern them. The primary law to take note of is Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) which governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. 

Additionally, specific regulations may apply depending on the type of background check conducted, such as the Criminal Procedure Code for criminal record checks and the Employment Act for employment-related checks. Learn more about Singapore Employment Laws here. 

Is It Advisable To Partner With a Background Screening Platform? 

Background checks in Singapore can be done in various ways, including through databases, interviews, and questionnaires. However, it may be best to partner with a third party screening service if you: 

• Need thorough and accurate screenings across multiple jurisdictions
• Lack the expertise or resources to conduct comprehensive checks in-house
• Need to ensure compliance with legal regulations regarding data protection and privacy. 

Also, for work pass applications, the Ministry of Manpower won’t accept verification proofs unless they come from accredited platforms. 

A good background check company will have a team of experts who are well-versed with all aspects of the process and will provide you with the information you need in order to make an informed decision about hiring someone.

Trust Veremark for Your Background Check Needs in Singapore 

Veremark is a leading provider of local and global background checks, offering 100% digital, 100% accurate checks for new and current staff members in all industries and sectors in Singapore. Furthermore, as a screening platform accredited by the Ministry of Manpower, you can rest easy that the verification proof we provide would streamline your foreign worker’s work pass applications. 

Talk to us today about the benefits of carrying out your vital pre-employment checks using Veremark’s innovative and straightforward platform. Whether you're hiring one candidate or many, ensure safe hiring with employment checks that are fast, accurate, secure, and scalable. Every time.

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