In view of continued weakness in the labour market and uncertain growth outlook in Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (“MOM”) has introduced new regulations for hiring foreign workers on 27 August 2020.
The new regulations, with the earliest being implemented on 1 September 2020, will affect both Employment Pass and S-Pass.
The changes are reflected below:-
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S/N
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Current Regulations
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New Changes
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Effective Date
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1
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The minimum qualifying salary for Employment Pass applications:-
- $3,900 per month
- Older, more experienced applicants are expected to draw around twice of the minimum qualifying salary
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The minimum qualifying salary for Employment Pass applications will increase to:-
- $4,500 per month ($600 increase)
- Older, more experienced applicants are expected to draw around twice of the minimum qualifying salary
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01 Sep 2020
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2
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The minimum qualifying salary for S-pass applications:-
- $2,400 per month
- Older, more experienced applicants are expected to draw around twice of the minimum qualifying salary
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The minimum qualifying salary for S-Pass applications will increase to:-
- $2,500 per month ($100 increase)
- Older, more experienced applicants are expected to draw around twice of the minimum qualifying salary
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01 Oct 2020
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3
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FCF Job Advertising Requirement does not apply to S-Pass applications.
FCF Job Advertising Requirement for Employment Pass applications:-
- Job advertisement to be posted on MyCareersFuture.sg for 14 days.
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Changes to FCF Job Advertising Requirements:-
- S-Pass applications will now be subjected to FCF Job Advertising Requirements
- For both S-Pass and Employment Pass applications, the duration of the job advertisement on MyCareersFuture.sg is 28 days
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01 Oct 2020
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4
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There are no separate qualifying salaries for different sectors.
(See (1), current regulations for Employment Passes)
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The minimum qualifying salary for Employment Pass applications in the Financial Sector will increase to:
- $5,000 per month
- Older, more experience applicants are expected to draw around twice of the minimum qualifying salary
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01 Dec 2020
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5
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The minimum qualifying salary for Employment Pass renewals:-
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The minimum qualifying salaries for Employment Pass renewals will increase to:-
- $5,000 per month for applicants working in the Financial Sector
- $4,500 per month for all other applicants
The minimum qualifying salary for S-Pass renewals will increase to:-
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01 May 2021
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The tightening of work pass requirements are in response to the Singapore government’s efforts to support employment opportunities for locals, and retaining a strong Singapore core.
In evaluating EP and S pass applications, MOM will take into account the numbers of local professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) employed in the company. Companies with a higher concentration of foreigners in their PMET workforce may find their work pass applications subjected to greater scrutiny.
Employers are advised to use the online Self-Assessment Tool (“SAT”) provided by MOM to check their candidate’s eligibility before applying or renewing existing work passes.
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This alert is for informational purposes only. If you are interested to know more, please contact our Employment Pass Specialists at:
Phyllis Thong
6705 7184
PhyllisThong@AccountStaff.com.sg
Beth Toh
6705 7133
BethToh@AccountStaff.com.sg