12/18/2007

The Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has introduced measures that will allow companies in Singapore to employ more foreign national workers.

Increased S Pass Quota

Beginning January 1, 2008, the quota for S Pass holders will be increased from 15% to 25% of a company's total workforce. The increased quota will come entirely out of each company's Work Permit quota, which will also be increased from 15% to 25% for all sectors. The new quota will give companies the option to employ skilled S Pass holders in lieu of unskilled or semi-skilled Work Permit holders.

The S Pass is for mid-level skilled professional workers who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$1,800 (approximately US$1,200). The S Pass bridges the gap between a Work Permit, which is issued to unskilled and semi-skilled workers, and an Employment Pass, which is for skilled workers and professionals who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$2,500 (approximately US$1,700). It is a type of Employment Pass, but it is subject to quota and a levy.

Relaxed Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Requirements

The PEP, launched in January 2007, is an Employment Pass that foreign professionals can personally apply for, provided they meet certain criteria, in order to have the flexibility to change employers within Singapore without obtaining a new employer-sponsored Employment Pass. Currently, a PEP applicant must have held a P1 or P2 Pass for at least two years, or a Q1 Pass for at least five years, to qualify for the PEP. A PEP holder may remain in Singapore for up to six months without employment. However, if s/he is unemployed for more than six months, the PEP will be cancelled and s/he will be issued a Social Visit Pass for a limited period. The PEP is issued only once, for a non-renewable term of five years. Thereafter, the foreign national must apply for a company-sponsored Employment Pass, or may be eligible for permanent residence in Singapore.

Beginning March 1, 2008, foreign nationals whose last fixed monthly salary overseas was at least S$7,000 (approximately US$4,790) will be eligible for the PEP immediately, without first having to hold a P or Q1 Employment Pass in Singapore, provided the salary was last paid in the six months preceding the PEP application date. Former P1 Pass holders will also be eligible for the PEP, provided they have not been unemployed for more than six consecutive months as of the application date. Current P1 Pass holders who apply for the PEP prior to meeting the two-year requirement will be accorded in-principle approval, and can begin using the PEP after two years on the P1 Pass.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes only.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen Global Immigration Services or send an email to the appropriate regional mailbox: canada@fragomen.com, lar@fragomen.com (for Latin America), asiapac@fragomen.com, or emea@fragomen.com (for Europe, Middle East and Africa).

Source: http://pubweb.fdbl.com/news1.nsf/c8abb103352ef95a86256e3100809438/4cf8c72e691c41dc852573b5007fdf3e?OpenDocument