Singapore tightens PMET work pass rules with salary hikes and new criteria
Singapore has announced sweeping changes to its foreign worker policy for skilled professionals, managers, executives, and technicians, known as PMETs. Starting from 2025 and 2026, the government is raising the minimum qualifying salary for Employment Pass holders to 5,600 Singapore dollars monthly, with further increases to 6,000 dollars planned for 2027. The S Pass threshold for mid-skilled workers is also climbing to 3,300 dollars from September 2025. Singapore is introducing the COMPASS points-based system to assess whether foreign hires truly complement rather than replace local talent, considering factors like employer diversity practices and local hiring records. Simultaneously, the government is removing caps on how long foreign workers can stay employed and expanding the pool of source countries for lower-skilled roles. Officials argue these measures protect local PMET jobs while keeping Singapore globally competitive. Critics raise concerns about underemployment and systemic job displacement, though government data shows that over the past decade, local PMET jobs grew by 382,000 while foreign passes increased by just 38,000. The policy reflects Singapore's attempt to balance economic competitiveness with rising public concern about foreign worker competition.
Key facts
- From January 1, 2025, Employment Pass minimum qualifying salary raised to 5,600 Singapore dollars per month for general sectors and 6,200 dollars for financial services
- From September 1, 2025, S Pass minimum salary increased to 3,300 dollars per month for general sectors and 3,800 dollars for financial services
- Over the past decade, local PMET employment grew by 382,000 while EP and S Pass holders increased by only 38,000
- Starting July 1, 2025, Singapore removed the maximum employment duration cap for foreign workers, allowing indefinite stays subject to renewal
- The COMPASS points-based framework assesses EP applicants on six criteria including salary, qualifications, employer diversity, and local employment support
- From June 1, 2025, Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos were added to the Non-Traditional Sources list for hiring lower-skilled workers
- As of 2024, there are three to six resident PMETs for every one EP or S Pass holder in financial, professional services, and tech sectors
- The Local Qualifying Salary floor for local workers is being raised from 1,600 to 1,800 Singapore dollars per month from July 1, 2026
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning sources and opposition figures highlight systemic challenges and job displacement concerns for local workers. They point to underemployment rather than unemployment as a hidden problem, noting that many Singaporean PMETs face underemployment even if official jobless rates appear low. Critics argue that large concentrations of foreign workers in specific industries have created disadvantages for mid-career Singaporeans seeking mid-level and senior positions, and that salary pressures from foreign hiring have affected local wage growth. They note that without foreign workers, the job market would naturally adjust to favour local workers seeking quality employment.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning and business-focused sources stress the practical necessity of foreign talent for Singapore's survival as a global hub. They argue that without access to foreign workers, companies would relocate elsewhere, resulting in net job losses for locals. They highlight Singapore's ageing population and low birthrate as factors requiring a stable foreign workforce influx. Business commentators warn that overly restrictive policies could harm competitiveness against rival hubs and reduce job creation. They support the recent policy changes as a reasonable compromise that maintains openness while adding safeguards for local workers.
Limits of this briefing
This story reflects primarily English-language sources and official government narratives. Limited direct commentary from labour unions, opposition political parties, or grassroots worker advocacy groups was found in recent articles, which may underrepresent the full spectrum of local worker concerns. Long-term economic impacts of these policy changes remain to be observed.
Sources
- Ministry of Manpower / Straits Times: Factsheet on Foreign Workforce Policy Announcements at COS 2025 Centre
- Al Jazeera: Singapore tightens rules for expat workers with an eye on local discontent Centre
- Progress Singapore Party: Local PMETs face systemic challenges Left
- Vulcan Post: Everyone thinks foreigners are taking over Singapore's high-paying jobs. Everyone is wrong. Right
- KPMG: Singapore – Reminder on COMPASS and Work Pass Updates Effective 1 January 2026 Centre