Singapore Makes a Simpler Process to Get Employment Pass for Foreign Workers

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced significant updates to the Employment Pass (EP) application process, set to be implemented in phases starting in September 2024. These changes aim to attract top talent while ensuring fair competition with local professionals.

What is an Employment Pass?

An Employment Pass (EP) is a work permit issued by the Singaporean government to foreign professionals. To qualify, applicants must meet specific salary thresholds and possess relevant qualifications.

Key Changes to the Salary Benchmarking Table

• New EP Applications: The revised salary benchmarks will apply to all new EP applications starting January 1, 2025.
• EP Renewals: These benchmarks will also apply to EP renewals for passes expiring on or after July 1, 2025.

The current salary benchmarks, released in May 2023, will remain in place for EP applications submitted until December 31, 2024. For EP renewals, the existing benchmarks will apply to passes expiring between September 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.

The COMPASS Framework

COMPASS is a transparent, points-based system designed to simplify the hiring of foreign professionals while promoting workforce diversity and supporting the local labor market. Employers must accumulate at least 40 points under COMPASS to secure an EP.

Professionals earning a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 22,500 are exempt from COMPASS, similar to the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) job advertising exemption.

C1 Salary Criteria

Under the C1 salary criteria, candidates must earn a fixed monthly salary that meets or exceeds the 65th percentile of local PMET (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians) salaries in their sector. This benchmark is distinct from the EP qualifying salary, which is the minimum required to obtain the pass. Failure to meet the EP qualifying salary renders a candidate ineligible, regardless of their points under the C1 salary criteria.

EP Qualifying Salary Requirements

For both new applications and renewals, the qualifying salary thresholds are as follows:

• General Sectors: At least SGD 5,000 per month (increasing with age, up to SGD 10,500 for candidates aged 45 and above).
• Financial Services: At least SGD 5,500 per month (increasing with age, up to SGD 11,500 for candidates aged 45 and above).

From January 1, 2025, the EP qualifying salary for new applications will be revised to SGD 5,600 for general sectors and SGD 6,200 for financial services. These revised thresholds will apply to EP renewals starting January 1, 2026.

For Expats

These changes indicate a more competitive job market for foreign professionals in Singapore. To secure an EP, candidates will need to demonstrate higher qualifications, experience, and salary levels. Employers must also adapt their hiring strategies to comply with the new requirements.