Foreign Worker Employment Agency

The Singapore government’s latest foreign manpower policies are designed to raise the quality of the foreign workforce, provide more flexibility for employers, and ensure a sustainable talent pool.

1. Work Permit: For Semi-Skilled Workers

The Work Permit is for semi-skilled workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, and services sectors. The latest changes focus on retaining experienced workers and expanding your talent options.

• Removal of Employment Duration Cap: As of July 1, 2025, the previous cap on how long a Work Permit holder can be employed in Singapore has been removed. This allows you to retain valuable, experienced workers for longer, reducing turnover and training costs.

• Increased Age Limit: The maximum employment age for Work Permit holders has been raised to 63 years, aligning with the local retirement age. New applications can now be submitted for workers up to 61 years old.

• Expanded Source Countries: From June 1, 2025, the NTS list has been expanded to include Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos. This broadens the hiring options for employers in the services and manufacturing sectors.

• Broader Job Scope: From September 1, 2025, the NTS Occupation List will be expanded to include roles like heavy vehicle drivers and cooks in all cuisines, providing more flexibility for businesses.

2. S Pass: For Mid-Skilled Employees

The S Pass is for mid-level skilled employees, with the final phase of salary and levy increases being implemented in 2025.

• Increased Minimum Salary: From September 1, 2025, the minimum qualifying salary for new applications will rise to $3,300 (most sectors) and $3,800 (financial services). This ensures that S Pass holders are earning a fair wage in line with local market benchmarks.

• Standardized Levy Rate: The S Pass levy will be standardized at $650 per month for all S Pass holders from September 1, 2025. This simplifies your cost calculations and improves financial planning.

3. Employment Pass (EP): For Professionals and Executives

The EP is for highly skilled professionals. The assessment is based on a transparent, points-based system.

• COMPASS Framework: The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) is the cornerstone of the EP application. Candidates are assessed on criteria like salary, qualifications, diversity, and support for local employment, with a minimum of 40 points required for approval.

• Qualifying Salary: The minimum EP salary is $5,600 for most sectors and $6,200 for financial services, with rates increasing with age