The Ministry of Manpower in Singapore will introduce a new points-based evaluation framework for new Employment Pass (EP) applications from September 2023 and for EP renewals from September 2024. The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) evaluation will require applicants to score at least 40 points under the employee and employer criteria which cover salary, qualifications, levels of national diversity and support for local employment by the employer and will be in addition to the standard minimum qualifying salary requirements for Employment Pass applications. The aim of the new framework is to encourage employment of highly skilled foreign employers and improve diversity within the Singaporean workforce.
From September 2023, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will commence using the COMPASS framework for new EP applications. It will then also be used for EP renewals from September 2024.
Under the COMPASS Framework, applicants will need to score at least 40 points within the employer and employee-based criteria. This framework aims to ensure the complementarity between foreign employees and Singaporean workers. Applications will also earn additional points based on whether they meet, exceed or fail to meet expectations per criteria in comparison to other employees and employers.
Points will be evaluated between Foundational and Bonus criteria.
Foundational:
Employee Attributes:
Employer Attributes:
Bonus:
Employee Attributes:
Employer Attributes:
For further information on immigration in Singapore, please contact the Sterling Lexicon immigration team.