In the latest work pass updates, the Singapore government aims to attract and retain more qualified and experienced foreign workers by allowing them to work in the country for extended periods. These changes apply to various categories of work passes, including S Pass and Work Permit holders, ensuring that businesses have access to skilled labor while maintaining a balanced and sustainable workforce.
These updates reflect Singapore’s ongoing efforts to enhance workforce quality, support business needs, and provide opportunities for skilled foreign workers to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Increased S Pass Qualifying Salary
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will raise the minimum qualifying salary for S Pass holders—skilled migrant workers in specialised roles—from S$3,150 to S$3,300. This threshold will continue to rise with age, reaching up to S$4,800 for individuals in their mid-40s.
For the financial services sector, where wage standards are higher, the qualifying salary for an S Pass will increase from S$3,650 to S$3,800, with a progressive rise to S$5,650 for mid-40s candidates.
These adjustments will apply to new S Pass applications starting September 1 this year, while renewal applications will be subject to the revised criteria from September 1, 2026.
Work Permit Employment Period Extension
Starting July 1 2025, work permit holders will no longer have a maximum employment duration, which previously varied between 14 and 26 years depending on factors such as skill level, industry, and country of origin.
However, there will still be an age limit for work permit holders. This will be raised from 60 to 63, aligning with the national retirement age. For new applicants, the maximum age will increase to 61, up from the existing limits of 50 for non-Malaysians and 58 for Malaysians.
From June 1 2025, Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos will be added to the list of eligible source countries, which already includes Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Additionally, beginning September 1 2025, the list of permitted job roles for workers from non-traditional sources in the manufacturing and services sectors will be expanded. The new roles will include cooks, heavy vehicle drivers, and manufacturing operators, adding to the existing list, which covers various manufacturing jobs, food processing workers, hotel housekeepers, hotel porters, and cooks in Indian restaurants.
Employers looking to hire from these sources must offer a minimum monthly salary of S$2,000 and ensure that such hires remain within an 8% sub-dependency ratio.
ONE Pass Approvals in 2024
SINGAPORE granted 3,000 foreign talent with the Overseas Networks and Expertise (One) Pass for top talent in 2024, a 29% decrease from 2023’s 4,200. Of which, one in six were new applicants. This means they did not convert from an existing work pass such as Employment Pass (EP). The ability to convert from existing work passes to the ONE Pass helps retain top talents in Singapore due to added benefits that the ONE Pass offer. The top three sectors that One Pass holders were employed in were financial and insurance services, information and communication as well as professional services.
Work Pass Updates’ Impact on Singapore’s Foreign Workforce
Singapore has been redirecting its intake of foreign workforce towards high-skilled professionals with the introduction of the Tech.Pass, ONE Pass, and gradual minimum salary qualifications for Employment Pass (EP). Now, Singapore is upgrading the quality of the lower-tiered Work Pass holders – Work Permit and S Pass as well.
With a higher minimum salary requirement and longer stay validity in Singapore, lower-skilled foreign workers will now have more experience and better skills. This initiative might give a chance for young local graduates to start their careers without competing directly with foreign workers and retain skilled workers in certain sectors such as marine and construction.
Immigration@SG’s Role in Foreign Workforce Intake
Immigration@SG plays a crucial role in assisting Singapore-based companies and individuals with the application and management of various Work Passes. As Singapore continues to attract global talent to support its dynamic economy, navigating the Work Pass application process can be complex due to evolving policies and stringent eligibility requirements.
Our team provides expert guidance and end-to-end support for companies looking to hire skilled foreign professionals, as well as individuals seeking employment or business opportunities in Singapore. We specialise in securing the following Work Passes:
- S Pass – For mid-skilled workers with relevant qualifications and experience.
- Employment Pass (EP) – For professionals, managers, and executives earning a competitive salary.
- Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) – A more flexible pass for high-earning EP holders or overseas professionals.
- Tech.Pass – Designed for highly accomplished tech talent to contribute to Singapore’s tech ecosystem.
- Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) – For top-tier global talent with exceptional contributions in business, research, or the arts.
- EntrePass – For entrepreneurs looking to start and operate innovative businesses in Singapore.
Beyond application support, Immigration@SG also provides advisory services on compliance with Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations, strategic workforce planning, and renewal or appeal processes to ensure a smooth and successful application experience.
For enquiries, Whatsapp to 8766 1966 or email to info@iasg.com.sg.
