New point-based system for EP applicants, including local employment, firm diversity criteria

The Compass framework will apply to new applications from Sep 1, 2023, new renewal applications from Sep 1, 2024

Mindy Tan

Published Sat, Mar 5, 2022 · 05:50 AM

Singapore manpower

Singapore

A NEW points-based system will assess Employment Pass (EP) applicants and their employers on a set of 6 criteria, ranging from salary and qualifications to the share of local professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) in the firm.

"It is designed to be a transparent system, so that businesses have clarity and predictability for manpower planning," said Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng in Parliament on Friday (Mar 4) during his ministry's Committee of Supply debate.

The Complementarity Assessment Framework, or Compass, will apply to new EP applications from Sep 1, 2023, and to new renewal applications from Sep 1, 2024.

Businesses generally welcomed the move, saying that it allows for greater transparency in the EP application system and strikes a balance between supporting the local workforce and allowing companies…