Singapore’s 2026 Foreign Workforce Policy Updates
Elevating Standards for Global Talent
At the Committee of Supply 2026, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced a series of foreign workforce policy updates. These changes reinforce Singapore’s commitment to quality talent, fair opportunities, and long term competitiveness.
ONE Pass (AI & Tech) – Launching January 2027
• Replaces Tech.Pass to attract world class AI and tech leaders.
• Eligibility:
o $30,000/month remuneration (cash + ESOP/ESOW).
o At least 5 years of senior leadership or technical expertise.
o Employment in tech firms or VC companies with US$500m+ valuation/revenue/assets.
• Positions Singapore as a global hub for AI innovation, opening doors for top talent to drive growth.
Employment Pass (EP) – Higher Salary Thresholds
• Minimum qualifying salary raised from $5,600 to $6,000 (progressive with age, up to $11,500).
• Financial Services: raised from $6,200 to $6,600 (up to $12,700).
• Effective for new applications from Jan 2027 and renewals from Jan 2028.
• Ensures EP holders remain among the top one third of local PMET wages, maintaining a high quality workforce.
S Pass – Strengthening Mid Level Skills
• Minimum salary raised from $3,300 to $3,600 (up to $5,100).
• Financial Services: raised from $3,800 to $4,000 (up to $5,650).
• Long term trajectory: $4,000–$4,500 by 2030.
• Aligns costs with local APT wages, reinforcing fairness and skill competitiveness.
Streamlining Work Permits & Expanding NTS Occupations
Work Permit Framework – Simplified and Quality Focused
• Levy system streamlined from 24 rates to fewer tiers for clarity.
• Marine Shipyard & Process sectors: levy for Basic skilled (R2) workers raised by $100–$150 to encourage higher skilled hires.
• Manufacturing & Services sectors: levy tiers reduced from three to two.
• Implementation begins 2028, giving firms time to adapt.
Non Traditional Source (NTS) Occupation List – Expanded from Sept 2026
• Eight new occupations added across Food Services, Social Services, and Air Transportation.
• Examples:
o Cooks, butchers, kitchen assistants, waiters.
o Cabin attendants, heavy vehicle drivers.
o Educators and teacher aides.
• Safeguards:
o 8% NTS sub Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC).
o $2,000 minimum monthly salary for NTS Work Permit holders.
• Provides flexibility for sectors facing manpower shortages while protecting local wage standards.
What Employers Should Do Next
• Plan compensation structures ahead of 2027/2028 changes.
• Invest in upskilling to meet levy incentives for higher skilled workers.
• Leverage NTS occupations to ease manpower gaps in service and transport sectors.
• Position strategically: ONE Pass offers a gateway to attract global AI and tech leaders.
Conclusion:
Singapore’s 2026 foreign workforce policies reflect a forward looking balance, welcoming global talent while safeguarding local opportunities. For employers, the message is clear: invest in quality, plan for compliance, and seize new pathways to build resilient, future ready teams.