As a center of business activities in Southeast Asia, Singapore has a lot of businesses emerging on the island. As a result, job availability has increased significantly in the last few years. Although Singapore has a strong and qualified workforce, companies still look for employees overseas. That is the reason why most companies in Singapore go under the employment pass Singapore application process.
The Singapore employment pass is the most common among the professional passes that employers obtain for their high-skilled workers. In addition, many foreigners aim to be eligible for this thus the supply of E Pass workers is not few. However, the Singapore government has recently imposed requirements that tightened the work visa application process. In this article, we will discuss the 5 changes in the employment pass Singapore requirements.
#1 – All employment pass Singapore applicants must strictly follow eligibility criteria
To be able to apply for the E Pass, the work visa applicant must follow the eligibility criteria. This isn’t something new since this has been the guide of the Ministry of Manpower in approving Singapore employment pass applications. In the past, they had been quite lenient and approved passes even if there is a slight miss in the eligibility criteria. However, now, they will strictly adhere to the eligibility criteria. This means that a slight miss will no longer be overlooked. Furthermore, they will be more focused on approving the employment pass Singapore candidates that show promising potential in contributing to the Singapore economy.
#2 – Minimum qualifying salary for the Singapore employment pass has increased
Aside from the more stringent approval guidelines for the Singapore employment pass, the Ministry of Manpower has increased the qualifying salary. Previously, a foreigner will only need an expected monthly salary of SG$3,900 to be able to qualify for the E Pass. Now, the work visa salary limit for the E Pass has been raised to SG$4,500. This has already taken effect on the 1st of September 2020. This also implies that the salary limit for older applicants has also increased. The salary limit is doubled if the employment pass Singapore applicant happens to be 40 years old and above.
#3 – Minimum qualifying salary for the E Pass in the financial sector has increased
The minimum salary of the E Pass is not the only increase that occurred. The salary limit for Singapore employment pass candidates in the financial sector increased as well. Ever since the E Pass applicants from the financial sector have always had a salary limit higher than the rest of the employment visa applicants. However, the amount for the qualifying salary has reached SG$5,000. E Pass applicants who applied after the 1st of September 2020 will be subjected to this new salary eligibility. As for renewing employment pass Singapore holders, the new salary limit will take effect on the 1st of May 2021.
#4 – Employers are strictly required to show support for local PMETs
Aside from the eligibility criteria of the Singapore employment pass holders, the hiring company is now being strictly observed by the Ministry of Manpower. Because of the pandemic, the government is now putting its efforts into giving job opportunities for the displaced Singaporean workers not only locally but also those who came back from foreign countries. For that reason, the Ministry of Manpower requires all companies to show support for local PMETs. If the company is seen to not be abiding by this call, the Ministry of Manpower will not approve any work visa application from that company.
#5 – Job posts local advertising has been extended
To boost the effort of support for the local workforce in Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower has extended the local advertisement requirement for companies. This means that instead of 14 days, there will be a 28 days local lock on job listings. This means that for 28 days the job post will only be available for locals and no foreigner can apply for it within that period. It is also strictly noted that there should be no discrimination against local applicants. Any company that is reported to have done this will not be allowed to apply for the employment pass Singapore visa.
Still apply for the E Pass
Even though the requirements for the Singapore employment pass has tightened, this should not discourage you from achieving your goal of working in Singapore. For one thing, Singapore companies will still continue to seek foreign workers. Thus, you should make sure that you are eligible for any work visa in Singapore. In the case of employers, you can seek the assistance of companies. They know how to get around these changes so your employment pass Singapore application will still push through.
