Foreign workers

China to expand public service access for migrant workers

Aminul Islam has denied that he’s contributed to migrant workers being charged high recruitment fees and said he has devoted his life to helping them.

Malaysia plans to use tycoon Aminul Islam’s new migrant worker system

Firms pay differing levy rates depending on their dependency ratio utilisation – the share of Work Permit holders in their workforce.

Work Permit levy hikes in 2028 could drive SMEs to automate, upskill workers: industry players

Smoke rising after an Iranian drone was intercepted over the Bahrain Financial Harbour towers, which house the Israeli embassy, Mar 6., 2026.

‘I’ll do my job or someone else will take it’: Why many Asians are staying put in the Gulf amid war

The new One Pass (AI and Tech) work permit will replace the existing Tech.Pass scheme.
SINGAPORE BUDGET 2026

Budget 2026: AI-focused One Pass to lure top tech talent

As part of efforts to broaden the range of good jobs, the government is working to get more Singaporeans into skilled trades.
COMMENTARY

Budget 2026: How should Singapore decide which jobs are to be filled by foreign workers?

Phantom worker arrangements involve employers making false CPF contributions for locals who do not actually work, artificially boosting a firm's foreign worker entitlement.

100 employers caught making false CPF contributions to boost foreign worker quotas from 2024 to 2025

From January 2027, new EP applicants outside the financial services sector will face a higher qualifying salary of S$6,000, up from S$5,600.
SINGAPORE BUDGET 2026

SMEs unlikely to face sharp cost increases from EP, S Pass salary hikes, but offshoring interest may grow

The measures take effect for new applicants starting January 2027, and 2028 for those renewing their passes.
SINGAPORE BUDGET 2026

Quick takes on salary threshold adjustments for EP, S-Pass holders

There will be no adjustments for the levy rate of higher-skilled Work Permit holders.
SINGAPORE BUDGET 2026

Levy for basic-skilled Work Permit holders to increase