Foreign Workers Agency: Your Guide to Hiring in Singapore
Navigating Singapore’s foreign manpower policies is a critical task for any business seeking to build a strong and compliant workforce. With a series of strategic updates from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for 2026, it’s essential to partner with an expert who can guide you through the latest regulations.
WORKPASS PTE LTD is a dedicated foreign workers agency specializing in work pass services and regulatory compliance. We provide end-to-end solutions, from expert consultation to seamless application management, ensuring your business stays compliant and thrives.
Foreign Worker Agency Singapore: 2026 Comprehensive Strategy Guide
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.
Key 2026 MOM Policy Updates
The 2026 policy cycle introduces the most significant wage and quota adjustments in years.
1. New Local Qualifying Salary (LQS)
Effective July 1, 2026, the wage floor for local employees to count toward your foreign worker quota has increased to ensure fair local employment:
- Full-Time LQS: Now $1,800 per month (previously $1,600).
- Part-Time LQS: Minimum $10.50 per hour.
- Quota Impact: A local employee only counts as 1.0 head if they earn at least $1,800. Those earning between $900 and $1,800 count as 0.5 head.
- Compliance: Firms must meet LQS for all locals not covered by a Progressive Wage Model (PWM) to apply for or renew any work passes.
2. Expanded NTS Occupation List (Sept 2026)
To provide flexibility for the Services and Air Transport sectors, the Non-Traditional Source (NTS) list expands in September 2026 to include 8 new roles:
- New Occupations: Waiters, Kitchen Assistants, Food/Drink Stall Assistants, Butchers, Fishmongers, Babysitters/Infant Caregivers, Educarers, and Teacher Aides.
- Salary Floor: All hires under the NTS Occupation List must be paid a fixed monthly salary of at least $2,000.
- Quota Cap: These roles are subject to a strict 8% sub-Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC).
3. Work Permit: Longevity & Age Alignment
- No Duration Cap: As of mid-2025, the maximum employment period has been removed, allowing you to retain skilled workers indefinitely.
- Higher Age Limit: The maximum employment age for Work Permit holders is now 63 years, aligned with the local retirement age.
- Entry Age: New applications are now accepted for candidates up to 61 years old.
Work Pass Benchmarks: 2026–2027 Roadmap
The Ministry of Manpower has outlined clear increases for the coming year to keep pace with local wage benchmarks.
Employment Pass (EP) & COMPASS
The COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) remains the standard for all EP applications. Candidates must score at least 40 points across Salary, Qualifications, Diversity, and Local Support.
- Current Minimum Salary: **$5,600** ($6,200 for Financial Services).
- Upcoming 2027 Increase: Effective January 1, 2027, the minimum qualifying salary will rise to $6,000.
- Learn More: Explore our Employment Pass (EP) Services.
S Pass Requirements
- Current Minimum Salary: **$3,300** ($3,800 for Financial Services).
- https://workpass.com.sg/Upcoming 2027 Increase: Effective January 1, 2027, the minimum qualifying salary will rise to $3,600.
- Standardized Levy: The S Pass levy is fixed at $650 for all sectors in 2026.
- Learn More: Explore our S Pass Services.
Sector-Specific Rules: Quota, Levy, and Eligible Countries
Understanding your industry’s specific regulations is key to compliant hiring. The Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) dictates the maximum number of Work Permit and S Pass holders you can employ.
Local Qualifying Salary (LQS): A local employee is counted towards your quota if they earn at least $1,600 per month.
Why Partner with WORKPASS PTE LTD?
As a premier foreign worker agency, we provide data-driven workforce solutions that mitigate the risks of rejected applications and quota “blocks.”
- COMPASS Auditing: We conduct pre-assessments to ensure your EP candidates meet the 40-point threshold.
- Quota Optimization: We monitor your LQS and DRC ratios in real-time to ensure you have the “headroom” to hire.
- Diverse Sourcing: Expert handling of applications from all approved NTS countries, including Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos.
- Family Passes: We also manage Dependant Pass (DP) and Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) applications to ensure your talent’s family transitions smoothly.
Secure Your 2026 Workforce Today
The cost of non-compliance or missing a quota deadline can disrupt your entire operation.
Let the experts at WORKPASS PTE LTD handle the bureaucracy while you focus on scaling your business.