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Immigration Services

How to Apply for Singapore Permanent Residency?

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With strong economic growth and political stability, Singapore is a desirable city to live in. As an expat, you might consider putting down roots and making this Lion City your permanent home. Well, we don’t blame you for wanting to become a permanent resident of Singapore since it is a beautiful and vibrant country that offers a high standard of living, a stable economy, and a multicultural society. If your mind is made up, you will undoubtedly be considering your Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) application. 

Before you consider relocating to Singapore in the long run, you’ll need to determine your eligibility for a permanent resident status. Hence, we’ve written this guide to answer your questions on the benefits of Singapore PR, along with eligibility requirements and application steps.

What is Singapore Permanent Residency (PR)?

If you’re planning to apply to become a permanent resident (PR) in Singapore, you probably already know about some of the perks that come with staying in Singapore. Buckle up and get ready to learn more about Singapore Permanent Residency – the coolest status you can get if you want to live and work in the Lion City on a long-term basis!

Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) is a status granted to foreigners who have been approved to live and work in Singapore on a permanent basis. It’s a highly desired status by many foreigners who have plans to stay, live and work in the country for the long-run. As a PR in Singapore, you’re part of the in-crowd. Numerous benefits will be granted to you such as access to government subsidies for healthcare, education and housing. You can also work and study in Singapore without the need for a visa, and have the flexibility to travel in and out of Singapore without visa restrictions. 

Of course, becoming a PR isn’t all fun and games. The application process may vary for every individual. Some applications may take several months to process, therefore it’s important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, like having a steady job and a clean record. Other factors that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) takes into consideration include your educational qualifications, employment history, income level and length of stay in Singapore. Once you’ve obtained Singapore PR, the sky’s the limit! You’re able to fully immerse yourself in the rich and diverse Singapore culture and participate in the many exciting events and activities that this city has to offer.

Singapore PR Benefits

Becoming a permanent resident gives you several benefits that an employment pass holder does not have. Yes, you read that right! Essentially, you can reap most of the amazing benefits and rights that come with Singapore citizenship. 

Healthcare

First up, healthcare. As a PR, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best healthcare in the world. And the best part? You won’t have to break the bank for it! You’ll be able to enjoy the medical benefits offered by Singapore’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) board at an affordable rate. And who doesn’t love saving money, right? 

Education

What about my kids’ education? Well, you’ll be able to enroll your kids in local schools and enjoy subsidized fees. Furthermore, permanent residents also have access to the SkillFuture program, which provides subsidies for training and upgrading courses to enhance their skills and knowledge. How cool is that?

Housing

And let’s not forget about housing. You’ll be eligible to purchase a HDB flat or private property in Singapore. You can enjoy better tax and government-subsidized public housing from the Singapore Housing Board Development (HDB). And with the government’s cooling measures, property prices are stabilizing, so it’s a great time to invest in your own home! 

Hassle-Free Travel In and Out of Singapore

Would you be thrilled if we told you, you would be able to work and study without having to worry about visas? Yes, you read that correctly! You’ll be able to travel in and out of Singapore without the need for a visa. Talk about hassle-free! However, don’t forget to check your re-entry permit’s validity before leaving the country.

Experience Singapore’s Vibrant Society

Last but not least, the amazing Singaporean community. You’ll be part of a diverse and inclusive community, where you’ll be able to meet people from all walks of life. Plus, you can participate in the many exciting events and festivals that Singapore has to offer.

Singapore PR Eligibility

man with a white sun hat and yellow luggage

How do I make sure I am eligible to be a permanent resident? Well, you must meet certain immigration requirements set forth by the government. 

To make Singapore your home, firstly you need a valid work pass. This includes Employment Pass, Entrepreneur Pass, Personalised Employment Pass or S-Pass. It’s vital that you give something of value locally and ensure that your contribution to Singapore is credible and reliable. For our Malaysian friends out there, if you’re interested to work here, there are a bunch of job agencies in Singapore that specialise in helping Malaysians find work, like Yuanyii Agency. They’ll match you with potential employers and provide some handy tips and tricks to help you ace your job interview. 

Now, have you been living and working in Singapore for at least six months? If yes, then you’re good to go! This shows your commitment to the country and your ability to adapt to Singaporean diverse culture and lifestyle. If you’re holding a Student pass, you must have been in Singapore for at least 2 years to be eligible for PR. 

To prove yourself as a worthy permanent resident, you need to have a good track record of conduct and show that you are a law-abiding citizen. This means that you have to be on your best behavior and steer clear of any legal troubles.  

Lastly, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have a steady income and financial assets to support yourself and any dependents you may have. This could include proof of employment, qualifying salary, bank statements, tax returns and other financial documents. It’s important to consider the cost of living in Singapore, which can be quite high compared to other countries.

How to Apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR)?

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Now, are you ready to take the plunge and become a Singapore PR? Amazing! Let’s get over the steps for on how to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency?

Singapore PR application and immigration process together. 

First things first, before applying for PR, you’ll need to gather all the necessary documents, such as your passport, educational certificates and employment records (including your monthly salary, and any work permit or work visa you currently have on hand). Remember, there’s more to it than just filling out forms and sending in documents. A small error can lead to an applicant’s application being rejected. This is where Yuanyii Agency comes to the rescue. Yuanyii Agency is a Singapore manpower agency and immigration specialist that provides assistance in employment, work pass application and relocation or immigration services. We have years of consultancy experience and have helped many to obtain their residency. 

Next up, it’s time to hit the ICA (Immigration and Checkpoints Authority) website and start filling out your application. Here at Yuanyii Agency, we offer immigration services including investment immigration and Singapore PR. Our professional immigration consultants will assist you in your PR application process as we are trained to understand all the requirements and regulations laid by Singapore’s Immigration, Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and ICA.  

After submitting your application and paying the fee, you’ll need to wait for the ICA to process your application. It may take from six to twelve months for the processing to be completed, so patience is a virtue during this time. The ICA may request additional documents or information to support your application. Make sure to provide any requested information promptly to avoid any delays in the processing time. 

Once your application has been processed, you’ll receive a letter from the ICA notifying you of the outcome. If your application is approved, congratulations! However, keeping your status as PR and continuing to leave and enter the country will require that you apply for a Re-Entry (REP) every 5 years. Without a valid REP, a PR outside Singapore will lose their PR status. 

What if my PR application gets rejected? Well, apply again. There’s no cap as to how many times you can apply for the permanent residency. Many ideal candidates out there often get rejected so if you got rejected on your first attempt, do not give up.

Contact Yuanyii Agency For Singapore Immigration Services

Contact us to arrange a complimentary one-on-one consultation either in person or online. Our experienced immigration advisors can provide immigration compliance strategies and guide you through the Singapore immigration system so you can get your Singapore PR application approved.

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Singapore Manpower Agency – Work Pass Application Services

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Singapore Manpower Agency – Work Pass Application Services

Navigating the restrictions of employment in Singapore can be a complex process. That is why many foreigners and Malaysians opt to hire Singapore recruitment agencies for a one-stop HR solution to save their time and effort. Recruitment agencies in Singapore offer a variety of services including employment placement, work pass applications and also immigration services. Understanding the difference between the various types of work permits is essential for anyone wanting to start working in Singapore. This article discusses the key differences between a Singapore Work Permit, an S Pass and an Employment Pass (EP) as specified by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM). We also look at what employers need to know when hiring foreign workers for their company in Singapore.

What Are the Different Types of Work Pass in Singapore?

Singapore is a major ex-pat hub, and those looking to work in the city have the right paperwork. Work permit, S Pass, and Employment Pass are three of the most important documents needed by foreign nationals who want to work legally in Singapore. 

Work Permits

Firstly, low or semi-skilled foreign workers are classified under Work Permits holders. Most of the workers come from sectors such as services, manufacturing, construction, or marine shipyard. Only workers from a few pre-approved Asian countries are eligible for the work permit, with no minimum salary requisite. The permit will only last up to 2 years, depending on the worker’s passport, security bond, and employment period. 

S Pass

Mid-skilled staff are eligible to apply for S Pass. Employees were required to earn at least S$3000 monthly fixed income. S Pass: You must be a diploma, degree holder, or technical certificate holder. The validity of an S pass is up to 2 years.

Employment Pass (EP)

Employment Pass, or E-pass, are only eligible for foreign highly skilled expertise. This employment pass is for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and those with specialised skills who wish to work in Singapore long-term. To qualify for this pass, they must meet certain at least S$5000 monthly fixed income and professional educational qualifications.

Who Qualifies to Apply for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore?

For candidates looking to take advantage of the exciting job opportunities in Singapore, it is important to understand the requirements for obtaining an Employment Pass (EP). Applicants for EP can be from any nationality; the foreign professional must have an actual job offer to work in Singapore. The job position should be at least managerial, executive, or specialist level. Besides, to be eligible for an EP permit, applicants must meet one of the most critical criteria: candidates who graduated from reputable universities must earn at least S$5000 fixed monthly income. The likelihood of EP application will be accepted if you are a university graduate with professional qualifications and specialised skills would be the best. Candidates must meet a minimum of 40 points under the new point-based COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework), which is evaluated based on an individual’s qualifications and organisation attributes. In addition, all candidates must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of February 1, 2022, to be accepted.

Employment Pass (EP) – Application, Renewal & Cancellation 

The employment pass includes three processes: application, renewal, and cancellation. Knowing each process related to your likelihood of acceptance, renewal, or cancellation is necessary.

Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is one of the most sought-after residencies passes available in the country. This pass gives foreign professionals access to Singapore’s job market and a wide range of privileges, such as secure employment rights and generous tax benefits. Anyone applying for an EP must meet certain criteria set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) before they can be approved. Applying for an EP begins with submitting a comprehensive online form on MOM’s website. Once this is done, applicants must provide supporting documents such as their qualifications, employment records, passport copies and other relevant information. The process usually takes up to 10 days from filing to approval and within eight weeks for overseas companies without Singapore-registered companies. However, it may take longer if additional information is requested. Both candidates and agents will get updated if the application is successful, and a pass card will be sent to the provided address within five working days after everything is settled. The duration of EP for first-time candidates would be up to 2 years, and renewal is compulsory after the period. For your information, renewal is allowed up to 6 months before expiration. However, for sponsorship form EP, renewal three months prior to expiration is allowed, whilst renewal application has to reach MOM 2 months prior expiration date. Employers or employment agents are responsible for this renewal process. The renewed pass card lasts up to 3 years, and it’s not affected by the pass holder’s passport validity.

The cost of each pass is S$225 and is S$30 for each Multiple Journey visas if applicable. Your application will take up to 10 business days for an update and eight weeks for sponsorship-type EP. Lastly, cancellation occurs when you are no longer working with your employer or will soon leave Singapore permanently. Before cancelling your EP, you are required to provide reasonable notice of repatriation. Don’t forget to seek tax clearance from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) whilst settling all your outstanding employment issues. Employers or any Singapore manpower agency handling the overall process be responsible for the costs of the pass holder’s air ticket to their hometown unless the pass holder agrees to bear their own expense. For cancellation applications, pass holders are allowed to submit cancellation requests up to 14 days in advance; the cancellation is immediate unless you submit an advance cancellation request. There is an exception in which a pass card will be automatically cancelled if the pass holder becomes a permanent Singapore resident. Gently reminder here to cut the pass card in half and discard it immediately to prevent misuse.

The Difference Between Singapore Work Permit, S Pass and Employment Pass

Singapore’s labour market is complex, with various work permits for foreign employees. Understanding the differences between Singapore Work Permit, S Pass, and Employment Pass is important for employers or potential employees looking to work in Singapore.

Singapore Work Permit (WP) 

A Singapore Work Permit (WP) is a type of permit issued to those who hold lower or semi-skilled jobs, such as services, manufacturing, construction, marine, shipyard or process sector. As such, construction worker agencies mainly deal with work permits for foreign workers. There is no minimum qualifying salary. However, only workers from the pre-approved list of countries are eligible for this permit. While the validity period for a license is up to 2 years, the family dependents are not allowed to apply for a work permit at different times. A levy will also be imposed on employers, depending on the nationality and salary of their employees. Unfortunately, as every sector has different sets of quotas for employers and due to recent tightening measures, the service sector quota has faced a 5% decrease, and many WP holders might face job loss in the future. S Pass is applicable for mid-skilled workers, for the processing time usually will be within three weeks unless more information is required. 

S Pass

Candidates applying for S Pass should be offered at least S$2,500 of fixed monthly salary to be accepted, and the pass duration is up to 2 years as well. Just like the Work Permit holders, the S-Pass Holders have a 10% quota limiting the number of workers in the service sector and 18% in all other sectors as of 1 January 202. A smaller allocation of 15% in all other sectors will be implemented as of 2023. A monthly levy and health insurance are necessary for your employee with a validity of 2 years. Additionally, dependents are entitled to apply for a pass to reside in Singapore.

Employment Pass (EP)

The Employment Pass is designed for managerial, executive or specialised positions with at least a S$5000 fixed monthly salary for high-skilled workers and is up to S$10,500 for mid-40s candidates. The holder must have a degree or diploma from an accredited institution. Optimistically, no foreign worker levy or quota is required for employment passes, which is cost savings. At the same time, employers can decide whether to provide health insurance for EP employee holders. The Employment Pass is more favourable as it allows holders to be sponsored for permanent residency in Singapore after two years. In conclusion, the overall minimum documents needed for application would be a particular page of the candidate’s passport, the company’s latest business profile or instant information with ACRA. Besides, a candidate’s educational certificate is required for candidates who applied for S Pass or Employment Pass.

Reasons Your Employment Pass (EP) Gets Rejected in Singapore

Receiving a rejection letter for your employment pass application in Singapore can be disheartening. Before you hit the redo button or hiring an employment agency for their services, it’s essential to understand why your application was rejected. Employment pass rejections could be due to various reasons, such as personal use, suspicious calculation of your background, lack of skills, employer discriminatory history or health issues. 

First and foremost is the misuse of the pass for personal purposes. This includes failing to adhere to the guidelines for working in Singapore and engaging in activities outside their job scope or unrelated to the original intent of obtaining an Employment Pass. Another common reason for rejection is ability calculation errors or insufficient proof/documentation provided by employers or candidates during the process. The ratio of your pay, rank, education and ability presented red flags to the MOM, which you still need to meet the requirements for employment in Singapore. Your or your employer’s ill-will was never a factor, just the MOM proportional determination.

Next, the government assumes that your abilities and qualifications aren’t something unique or valuable to Singapore. Framing the work as a whole makes you more appealing to others, so if you convince them everything can be done by local professionals, an application may be rejected for Singapore EP. How your qualifications and skills were portrayed in your professional application profile shaped things greatly. It a better to leave your EP appeal in the hands of professional visa experts or experienced Singapore manpower agencies in handling Federal visa requests. Besides, a history of discriminatory acts by your employer could also result in an EP rejection. Believe it or not, if your employer hires few to no local workers, your EP might also get affected. Lastly, health issues are one of the most important factors for MOM to accept or reject your application. You might get your EP rejected if you are diagnosed with a serious illness.

Singapore Work Permit, S Pass, and Employment Pass have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the differences between them is key to navigating the Singaporean job market. The application process requires careful consideration and due diligence on the part of employers and employees. Employers and employees must be aware of the responsibilities associated with each pass before deciding which one is best.

If you are looking for a Singapore manpower agency to outsource your HR needs such as staffing services or ease your recruitment process, check out Yuanyii Agency, a local and international recruitment manpower agency. We specialize in recruitment or employment services, work pass applications and immigration services. Drop us a message or contact us today, let us help you find the right talent with the right skills.

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IN-PRINCIPLE APPROVAL LETTER (IPA)

It has come to our attention that there are a lot of people who only know they need a valid work pass to work in Singapore but do not know what an IPA is.

In this post we will tell you the full procedure from when you get hired for a job to when you finally start your first day of work in Singapore.

When you get your offer from a company, and you accept it, the company will apply for an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). This letter indicates that MOM has approved the request that you will be working under this company and this company only.

Work Permit, SPass, EPass holders are all required to have an approved IPA before they are deemed as officially enrolled for the job position.

Upon receiving the IPA, you should look at Page 2 and go through what you must do before you are allowed to officially start work. This often includes going for medical checkups and courses required by MOM. You must complete all the steps otherwise your company will not be able to issue work pass and you may not start work.

Once all the steps have been completed and your company has issued your work pass, they will make an appointment for you at the MOM services center to register your thumbprint and take a photo so they can print your card and mail it to your company address within 1 to 4 weeks. Bring along your passport, Notification Letter, Appointment Letter to the MOM appointment.

After completing the above, you are now ready to start work!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further enquiries,

Yuanyii Agency is here to help!

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3 COMMON TYPES OF WORK PASS

All foreigners who intend to work in SG must have a valid work pass (work visa) before they start work.

The 3 most common types of work passes are the Work Permit (WP), S Pass (SP) and Employment Pass (EP).

WORK PERMIT (WP):

Who is it for?Workers from Malaysia, China or NAS countries working in all sectors. Some sectors allow workers from NTS countries to take WP too.
Who can apply?An employer or appointed employment agent needs to apply for the permit.
Qualifying SalaryNo minimum required.
Duration of passUp to 2 years, depending on the validity of the worker’s passport, security bond and employment period.
Is it renewable?Yes.
Passes for familyNot available.
Quota & LevyEmployers are limited by a quota for their sector and have to pay a monthly levy for each worker.
Different sectors have different quota and different companies have different levy amount.
Medical InsuranceEmployers must provide medical insurance for their employees.
Primary Care PlanEmployers must buy the Primary Care Plan (PCP) for their WP employees if they:
– Stay in dormitories
OR
– Working in the construction, marine shipyard or process (CMP) sectors.

S Pass (SP):

Who is it for?Mid-level skilled workers
Who can apply?An employer or appointed employment agent needs to apply for the pass.
Qualifying salaryMinimum of $3,000 (and increases progressively with age, up to $4,500 for those in mid-40s).
Duration of passUp to 2 years.
Is it renewable?Yes.
Passes for familyLTVP and DP is available.
Quota & LevyEmployers are limited by a quota for their sector and have to pay a monthly levy for each worker.
Different sectors have different quota and different companies have different levy amount.
Medical InsuranceEmployers must provide medical insurance for their employees.
Primary Care PlanEmployers must buy the Primary Care Plan (PCP) for their WP employees if they:
– Stay in dormitories
OR
– Working in the construction, marine shipyard or process (CMP) sectors.

EMPLOYMENT PASS (EP):

Who is it for?Foreign professionals, managers and executives with a job offer in Singapore.
Who can apply?An employer or appointed employment agent needs to apply for the pass.
Qualifying salaryMinimum of $5,000 (and increases progressively with age, up to $10,500 for those in the mid-40s.) 
Duration of passThe duration of the pass is as follows:
First-time candidates: up to 2 years
Renewals: up to 3 years

Experienced tech professionals with skills in shortage may be eligible for a longer 5-year duration pass.
Is it renewable?Yes.
Passes for familyLTVP and DP is available.
Quota & LevyNo foreign worker levy or quota required.
Medical InsuranceEmployers can choose whether to provide medical insurance for EP holders.

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PRIMARY CARE PLAN (PCP)

By 31 March 2023, all employers must buy Primary Care Plan (PCP) for their employees which will cover most of the employee’s primary healthcare needs under a fixed scope of services.

Who is eligible:

A PCP is mandatory for Work Permit holders (excluding MDWs) and S Pass holders who:

  • Stay in dormitories

OR

  • Work in CMP sectors

PCP is optional for Work Permit and S Pass holders who live in the community and work in non-CMP sectors.

Benefits of PCP:

  • Provide quality, accessible and affordable primary care to migrant workers
  • Support proactive public health surveillance to minimize risks of large outbreaks and work disruption
  • Provide peace of mind for both employers and migrant workers

Services included:

  • One statutory medical examination for work pass application or renewal
  • Unlimited acute and chronic consultations
  • One annual basic health screening
  • Telemedicine and medication delivery
  • Scheduled transportation to and from dormitories and MOM medical centers. Prioritized for workers who are reporting sick at MOM medical centers. Excludes routine specialist appointments.
  • Ambulance or special transport services to other medical facilities, if necessary.

Eligible employees can get the services at:

  • 24/7 telemedicine services (FWMOMCare)
  • Medical centers
  • Designated GP clinics in partnership with Anchor Operators

Price:

PCP price range from $108 to $138 per worker annually, payable by monthly instalments.

You must buy PCP for eligible employees from Anchor Operators (AOs) based on where your employee stays.

Employees must also pay additional fees:

  • $5 (excluding GST) for medical treatment at each visit to the medical center
  • $2 (excluding GST) for each telemedicine service
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LAUNCH OF NEW WORK PASS FROM 2023

The new Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass is introduced for top talents from any sector earning a monthly salary of minimum S$30,000. Alternatively, individuals with outstanding achievements in arts and culture, science and technology, academia and research, or sports may qualify, even if they do not meet the salary criterion.

Key details of the pass:

Who is it forTop talents in the area of business, arts and culture, science and technology, academia and research, or sports.
EligibilityCandidates may apply directly if they meet the eligibility criteria.

More details will be released closer to 1 January 2023.
Minimum Salary– Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 within the last 12 months
OR
– Will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under their future employer based in Singapore

Note: Individuals with outstanding achievements in arts and culture, science and technology, academia and research, or sports may qualify, even if they do not meet the salary criteria.
Duration of pass– First time candidates: 5 years
– Subsequent renewals: 5 years
RenewabilityYes, if meet the renewal criteria.
Family passesDependant’s Pass and Long Term Visit Pass is available for certain family members.

Spouses of the pass holder may obtain a Letter of Consent to work in Singapore.
Quota/Foreign worker levyNo quota or foreign worker levy is required.

Salary criteria:

Existing work pass holders and overseas candidates can apply if they meet either of the salary criteria below:

  • Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 within the last 12 months
  • Will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under their future employer based in Singapore

In addition to meeting the salary criteria above, overseas candidates will also need to show that they have been working for an established company overseas for at least 1 year, or will be working for an established company in Singapore.

For a company to be considered established, it must have a market capitalization of at least US$500 million or an annual revenue of at least US$200 million.

The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass is renewable for 5 years each time. To be eligible for renewal, the pass holder must meet either of the following:

  • Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 on average over the past 5 years in Singapore.
  • Started and is operating a Singapore-based company that employs at least 5 locals, each earning at least S$5,000 (pegged to the EP minimum qualifying salary).

Outstanding Achievements:

Individuals with outstanding achievements achievements in arts and culture, science and technology, academia and research, or sports may qualify for Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, even if they do not meet the salary criteria. More details on the eligibility criteria for new applications and renewals under this route will be released closer to 1 January 2023. 

Benefits of the Pass:

The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass is a personalized pass tied to the individual and gives greater employment flexibility:

  • You can start, operate, and work for multiple companies at any one time.
  • You do not need to reapply for a new pass if you change jobs.
  • Your spouse will be able to work on a Letter of Consent.

Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass holders will not be subjected to the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) and employers who wish to hire them are not subjected to the Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirement.

To ensure that the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass holders are utilizing the flexibilities given to contribute meaningfully, MOM will request for the following information from the pass holders yearly: 

  • Details on all your professional activities over the past year.
  • The annual salary you have earned from all professional activities.

This will contribute to their assessment of your eligibility for renewal.

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CHANGES TO E PASS ELIGIBILITY

Beginning on 1 September 2022, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will raise the standard of qualifying salaries and levies for E Pass holders. This is to ensure the quality of E Pass holders to become the top one-third of our local Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs) workforce.

Changes to E Pass qualifying salaries:

Older candidates will require a higher salary to qualify. As well as the financial services sector due to higher wage norms.

The change in minimum qualifying salary for E Pass applications and renewals is shown below:

  • New applications from 1 September 2022
  • Renewals from 1 September 2023
SectorsCurrent minimum qualifying salaryNew minimum qualifying salary
All (Exclude financial Services)$4,500
Increases with age, up to $8,400 for those in mid-40s.		$5,000
Increases with age, up to $10,500 for those in mid-40s.
Financial Services$5,000
Increases with age, up to $9,300 for those in mid-40s.		$5,500
Increases with age, up to $11,500 for those in mid-40s.
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CHANGES TO S PASS ELIGIBILITY

Beginning on 1 September 2022, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will raise the qualifying salaries and levies for S Pass holders. This is to improve the quality of S Pass holders to become the top one-third of our local Associate Professionals and Technicians (APT) workforce. S Pass quotas will also be updated from 1 January 2023.

Changes to S Pass qualifying salaries:

Older candidates will require a higher salary to qualify. The change in minimum qualifying salary for S Pass applications and renewals is shown below:

SectorFrom 1 Sep 2022: New ApplicationsFrom 1 Sep 2023: Renewal of S Pass
Financial Services$3,000
Increases with age, up to $4,500 for those in mid-40s.
All (Exclude Financial Services)$3,500
Increases with age, up to $5,500 for those in mid-40s.

Changes to S Pass levy rates:

The S Pass Basic/Tier 1 levy rate will be raised in 3 steps, as shown below:

From 1 Sep 2022From 1 Sep 2023From 1 Sept 2025
Change from $330 to $450Change from $450 to $550Change from $550 to $650

There will be no changes to the levy for Tier 2 S Pass holders, which will remain at $650.

Changes to S Pass quota from 1 Jan 2023:

SectorFrom 1 Jan 2023
– Manufacturing
– Construction
– Marine Shipyard
– Process		Change from 18% to 15% of total workforce
– ServiceNo change
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Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) Occupation List

To take effect from 1 September 2023, businesses under Service and Manufacturing sectors will be allowed to hire Work Permit holders from NTS countries for specific occupations in the NTS occupation List.

What is NTS Occupation List?

Currently, companies are only allowed to hire Work Permit holders from the below countries:

  • Malaysia
  • People’s Republic of China (PRC)
  • North Asian sources (NAS)
    • Hong Kong (HKSAR passport)
    • Macau
    • South Korea
    • Taiwan

In the future, companies will be able to hire Work Permit holders from NTS countries for specific occupations.

NTS Occupation List

The NTS Occupation List will consists of positions like:

  • Cooks in Indian restaurants
  • Workers in food processing firms, e.g. vegetable picker, condiments & sauce makers
    • Excludes:
      • Food processing supervisors and general foremen
      • Other food and beverage jobs like tasters, graders, bakers, pastry-cooks and confectionery makers
  • Workers in manufacturing firms, e.g. general manufacturers, precision/transport engineering, automotive firms
    • Working as:
      • Sheet metal workers
      • Welders and flame cutters
      • Metal moulders and coremakers
      • Riggers and cable splicers
      • Structural metal repairers and erectors

Requirements:

Companies must meet all of the below requirements:

  • Subject to a quota for NTS Work Permit holders in the NTS Occupation List. NTS Work Permit holders must be higher-skilled (i.e. meet the R1 criteria).
  • Work Permit holders must only perform the occupation stated on their work permit.

When will it be introduced:

The NTS Occupation List will begin to take effect from 1 September 2023, along with the first increase of S-Pass qualifying salary for renewals.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will review the list from time to time. More details will be provided as the date gets closer.

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SG ARRIVAL CARD EXCEMPTED FOR LAND TRAVEL

Effective from April 15 2022, Singaporeans, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will no longer have to fill up the SG Arrival Card when entering Singapore via land checkpoints.

However, travelling entering Singapore via air or sea will still be required to fill up the SG Arrival Card.

The decision to waive the SG Arrival Card requirement via land travel was made as The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) takes into account the traffic volume at both the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. This waiver will provide immense convenience to eligible travelers, especially those who commute back and forth daily for work or studies.

Non-fully vaccinated Singaporeans, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders, along with short-term visitors entering via the land checkpoints, will still be required to fill up the SG Arrival Card before entry or within three days of arriving in Singapore.