Singapore – Reminder for Increase for Employment Passes
October 24, 2016
As previously announced, beginning January 1, 2017, the minimum salary for Employment Passes will increase from SG $3,300 to SG $3,600 per month. As a reminder, employers should ensure that they meet the new salary threshold for their employees. The increase of the salary in the Employment Pass is to maintain the quality of the foreign workforce and open the market to Singaporeans.
With the increase in the salary of the Employment Pass, less foreign nationals will be eligible for this category. For those that do not qualify for the higher salary, may apply for an S pass, in which a quota and levy apply. Smaller firms may feel the effect of the wage increase more so than larger firms, as it may be difficult to adjust for the margins.