Singapore’s new rules for expat visas, nationality among criteria
- The new points-based system – similar to the UK’s – is the biggest ever visa change for a nation that relies heavily on overseas labour across all sectors
- Overhaul shows government is seeking to foster local employment and industries, and address public concerns over international firms that favour hiring foreigners
Singapore plans to introduce a points-based visa system for some of its highest-paid foreign workers, including scores for how the applicant’s nationality contributes to the diversity of their firm, in addition to education, skills and pay.
The programme unveiled Friday in parliament by Manpower Minister Tan See Leng is among the biggest visa changes ever for a nation that relies heavily on overseas labour across all sectors. It’s similar to moves by other developed economies like the UK in adopting a points-based immigration system.
Including recently announced increases in minimum pay criteria and tightened quotas for some middle-tier jobs, the overhaul underscores how the government of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is seeking to foster local employment and industries, as well as address public concern that international firms favour hiring foreigners.
In addition to factors such as how salaries compare to local peers, education and skills, the new system, known as Compass, will also grant points for whether the nationality of the candidate improves the diversity of their company or if the company is hiring more local staff.
02:44
Singaporeans welcome plan to charge Covid-19 patients for medical care if they refuse vaccines
“We remain committed to our goals of upgrading our workforce, comprising a strong Singaporean core, and a high-quality and diverse foreign workforce,” Tan said in parliament. The new guidelines aim “to ensure diversity in our foreign workforce – because a truly open and connected labour market must also be able to draw the best from all around the world,” he added.
The points system will apply to new applicants for an Employment Pass – typically for highly skilled and top salaried workers – from September 2023, and for existing visas renewals from September 2024. So-called EP holders made up about 14 per cent of the country’s nearly 1.2 million foreign workers as of June, according to government data.
