Singapore’s Employment Pass – All you need to know about the Complementarity Assessment Framework

2. So how does it work?

a. Applicants will be assessed by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower as per the table below:
 

b. Applicants need 40 points and above to pass the framework. Here's a look at how points will be allocated:

3. What is the value of COMPASS?

The Complementarity Assessment Framework will give businesses greater clarity and certainty for manpower planning.

• It makes clear that Singapore welcomes complementary global talent, especially individuals with in-demand skills in key industries;
• It allows companies to obtain EPs for candidates based on more attributes such as skills and national diversity.
• Through the Self-Assessment Tool, companies can evaluate from the get-go whether their preferred applicant will qualify for an EP; and
• It recognises firms that have contributed to achieving Singapore’s strategic economic priorities in partnership with a government agency or NTUC; firms that have a large proportion of local PMETs vis-à-vis others in the sector; or those with a diverse pool of foreign PMETs.
   

4. Are there any exemptions from COMPASS?

EP applicants will be exempted from COMPASS if they:

• Earn a fixed salary of at least $22,500 per month; or
• Apply as an overseas intra-corporate transferee under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) or a relevant Free Trade Agreement (FTA); or
• Are filling the role on a short-term basis of one month or less.

However, applicants must still meet the minimum qualifying salary for their EP application.
 

5. How do I check if an applicant will be eligible for an EP under COMPASS?

1. Ensure the applicant meets the qualifying salary¹. Use the recently-enhanced Employment /
   S Pass Self Assessment Tool (SAT) on the Manpower Ministry’s website, which will provide insights on whether the candidate has passed the salary requirements, and a breakdown of the applicant’s potential COMPASS points.
2. Use the Manpower Ministry’s Workforce Insights Tool for benchmarking of your company’s diversity and support for local employment (criteria C3 and C4). The tool also allows you to compare median salaries and non-monetary benefits across industries.
    

Third, submit the application to MOM. Do ensure that your company has obtained verification proof for the applicant’s educational qualifications provided in the application.

Do note that applicants who are not eligible for an EP under COMPASS may be eligible for other work passes such as S-Pass or Work Permit, where a separate set of criteria will apply.
 

6. How should I prepare for the upcoming changes?

Refer to case studies on how EP applications may be scored under COMPASS. Click on “Case Studies” from the side bar on the left to read more.

Besides using the SAT and Workforce Insights Tool, your company can review its workforce profile and assess if there is a need to improve the diversity of your workforce or increase your support for local employment. 

¹Details available here: Eligibility for employment passes