Singapore overhauls visa rules to attract long-term workers

The Singaporean Ministry of Manpower said foreigners earning a minimum SGD300,000 (USD21,431) per month will be allowed to secure a five-year work pass, with a provision to allow their dependents to seek employment under the new rules. Singapore is overhauling its visa rules to attract foreign workers in the hope of easing a tight labour market. The new rules also allow exceptional candidates in sports, arts, science, and academia who do not meet the salary criteria to be eligible for the long-term visa under the so-called Overseas Networks and Expertise pass that would take effect on January 1, 2023. Also, effective from Sept. 1 next year, Singapore plans to exempt jobs, comparable to those held by top 10 percent of Employment Pass holders, from the need to be advertised locally before hiring foreigners under a system called the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF).