In a recent announcement, the Singapore government revealed significant updates to the Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, and Work Permit (WP) frameworks aimed at attracting skilled foreign talent while protecting local employment. Here's a concise breakdown of these crucial changes and their implications for employers and workers.

1. Key Changes to S Pass Requirements

Effective from September 1, 2025, the salary requirements for S Pass holders will increase:

Note: Salary scales upwards with age, peaking at $4,800 for general sectors and $5,650 for financial services by mid-40s.

Minimal Impact Expected for Most Companies

Mr Shoichi Sunaga, Branch Manager at Reeracoen Singapore, highlighted in a recent NNA Asia article that “the impact on most companies is expected to be minimal, as many employers across various sectors already offer compensation packages exceeding the revised minimum salary. This is likely to reduce significant disruptions in hiring and renewal processes for S Pass holders.”

Work Permit Regulations Relaxed

Starting July 1, 2025, the Singapore government will:

• Remove the employment duration cap (currently 14-26 years).
• Raise the maximum working age from 60 to 63.

Additionally, the range of occupations available to WP holders from Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) countries has expanded. New occupations include Heavy Vehicle Drivers, Manufacturing Operators, and general Restaurant Kitchen Assistants.

The eligible NTS countries have expanded to include Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos, alongside existing countries such as India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, contingent on maintaining a minimum monthly salary of S$2,000.

Employment Trends: A Decade of Growth

Employment statistics from Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) highlight a strategic approach to managing foreign and local talent:

• EP & S Pass holders increased by 38,000 over the last decade.
• Resident Professional, Managerial, Executive, and Technical (PMET) roles grew by 382,000, nearly tenfold the increase in foreign talent.

Why These Changes Matter

The Singapore government’s balanced approach allows businesses to continue leveraging foreign expertise to stay competitive globally, while simultaneously prioritising job opportunities and skill development for Singaporeans. Employers in Manufacturing, Food Services, and Logistics sectors particularly benefit from relaxed WP regulations, gaining greater access to a diverse and experienced workforce.

Reeracoen’s Insight Featured in NNA Asia

In NNA Asia’s insight article, Reeracoen Singapore’s Branch Manager, Mr Shoichi Sunaga highlighted that “the salary increases for S Pass holders would minimally affect most companies due to their already competitive pay structures. Additionally, he noted the relaxed WP rules would positively impact sectors such as Manufacturing and Food services by allowing longer retention of skilled foreign workers.”. 

At Reeracoen, we remain committed to guiding companies and workers through Singapore’s evolving recruitment landscape. Our deep market insights, exemplified by Mr Shoichi Sunaga's expert analysis, underline our dedication to delivering clarity and strategic advice in navigating these regulatory changes.

Stay ahead of talent management and employment trends by reaching out to us for personalised support.

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Sources and References:

• Ministry of Manpower, Singapore
• NNA Asia: Singapore Work Pass Changes Article)
• Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP)
• Straits Times Coverage of Manpower Policy Updates including Work permit holders can stay employed in S’pore for longer as MOM tweaks foreign worker rules