If you are thinking of working in Singapore, then these upcoming changes you should know. The government has introduced several changes to Work Permits, S Passes, and Employment Passes. Between tightening wage norms and introducing additional source countries. These improvements attempt to solve shortages, improve retention, and raise hiring standards. If you intend to apply or hire, you should start planning ahead of time. Particularly in terms of compensation, documentation, and establishing your local influence. In this article, we are going to talk about all the changes and why these changes matter.
Singapore Work Pass Changes Effective from 2025
These are the changes which has been brought by the Singapore government:
| Category | Old Rule (Before 2025) | New Rule (From 2025) | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Permit Duration | Max 14–26 years depending on sector | No time limit — indefinite if criteria met | July 1, 2025 |
| Work Permit Age Limit | 50 (non-Malaysians), 58 (Malaysians) | 61 (for new applicants), work allowed until age 63 | July 1, 2025 |
| Source Countries | Limited countries (e.g., India, Bangladesh, etc.) | Added Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos | June 1, 2025 |
| NTS Occupation List | Only Indian cooks in F&B sector | Expanded to include all cooks, heavy drivers, operators | September 1, 2025 |
| S Pass Minimum Salary | S$3,150 (general), S$3,650 (finance) | S$3,300 (general), S$3,800 (finance) | September 1, 2025 |
| S Pass Levy | Tiered (varied by sector) | Flat rate of S$650/month (Tier 1) | September 1, 2025 |
| Employment Pass Salary | S$5,000 (general), S$5,500 (finance) | S$5,600 (general), S$6,200 (finance); up to S$10,700 for older applicants | January 1, 2025 (new EPs)January 1, 2026 (renewals) |
| COMPASS Framework | Not in place | 40-point system assessing EP applicants | Already started (2023), mandatory for new EPs by 2025 |
| Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) | 14-day ad not strictly enforced | Mandatory 14-day job ad & documentation of local rejections | Ongoing, stricter enforcement in 2025 |
| M‑SEP Scheme Duration | 2 years | 3 years + added criteria for training locals abroad | May 1, 2025 |
Why These Changes Matter
- Skilled foreign workers can stay for extended periods of time and are subject to the same age constraints as locals.
- New nations and job roles help firms identify what they need.
- S Pass and EP thresholds are higher, requiring applicants with superior qualifications and more remuneration.
- S Pass and EP thresholds are higher, requiring applicants with superior qualifications and more remuneration.
Hi, I’m Owen. I’m passionate about sharing the latest government aid news, benefits, and policy updates so you can stay informed and make the most of available resources. My goal is to break down complex information into clear, easy-to-understand updates that help you navigate programs and opportunities that matter to you.