Singapore is taking bold steps to attract top talent in critical and emerging technologies, and it's a move that's sure to spark some debate.
In January 2027, a new work pass, the One Pass (AI and Tech), will be introduced, replacing the existing Tech Pass. This change is part of a broader strategy to bring in high-earning professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence and quantum computing, among other cutting-edge fields.
But here's where it gets controversial: the One Pass (AI and Tech) will offer a five-year work permit, renewable for another five years, compared to the Tech Pass's two-year validity. And this is the part most people miss - the new pass also has a unique salary criterion that allows applicants to combine their fixed monthly salary with vested non-cash components, like stock options, to meet the $30,000 monthly income requirement.
To qualify for this exclusive pass, applicants must have worked in a tech company, tech division, or tech venture capital firm, and have earned at least $30,000 per month for 12 consecutive months. They must also have at least five years of cumulative experience in a founder, C-suite, or senior technical role within the past 10 years.
The One Pass scheme, unveiled in 2022, targets top foreign professionals earning at least $30,000 a month from a single employer, as well as individuals with outstanding achievements in various fields. With over 8,000 individuals already on this scheme, many are contributing to sectors vital for Singapore's future economy.
In addition to the One Pass, there are changes to work permit applications. From September 2026, eight new occupations will be added to the Non-Traditional Source (NTS) Occupation List, including food service roles, social services, and air transportation. This list allows local employers to hire from a wider range of countries for specific jobs, offering a more diverse talent pool.
Nominated MP Mark Lee highlighted the challenges faced by domestic-oriented sectors like F&B, which operate on tight margins and rely on S Pass holders for frontline roles. In response, Dr. Tan explained that the NTS Occupation List provides a way for businesses to hire higher-quality workers from non-traditional source countries for roles where local talent is insufficient.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced an increase in the qualifying monthly salary for new Employment Pass (EP) applicants, raising it to $6,000 from $5,600, effective January 2027. EP applicants must also pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (Compass), introduced in 2023.
Dr. Tan highlighted the positive impact of Compass, stating that the share of firms with a higher dependence on foreigners of a single nationality has fallen by 20%, and the share of firms with a higher dependence on foreign workers has declined by 37%.
PM Wong also announced an increase in the minimum qualifying salary for new S Pass applicants, raising it to $3,600 from $3,300, effective January 2027. Dr. Tan added that the S Pass minimum qualifying salary is expected to reach $4,000 to $4,500 by around 2030, depending on local wages and economic conditions.
Regarding work permit holders, Dr. Tan emphasized their importance in delivering essential infrastructure, goods, and services. He noted a 36% growth in work permit holders in the construction sector over the past five years, reflecting a post-Covid-19 project catch-up. Across all sectors, work permit numbers have grown by 186,000, or 27%.
Despite managing these numbers, Dr. Tan assured that Singapore will continue to support businesses in accessing higher-quality work permit holders.
These changes to Singapore's foreign workforce policies are designed to attract top talent and support businesses while managing the overall number of foreign workers. It's a delicate balance, and it will be interesting to see the impact and hear the opinions of the public on these new initiatives.
