Singapore is expanding its foreign manpower policy by adding eight service-sector occupations to its Non-Traditional Source (NTS) list from September, allowing hires from countries like India and the Philippines for roles such as caregivers, food service workers, and cabin crew. This aims to help businesses fill specific non-professional roles where there are local shortages and retain skilled workers affected by upcoming increases in the S Pass qualifying salary.
Concurrently, the qualifying salaries for both the S Pass and Employment Pass will be raised from 2027, making the S Pass more targeted towards associate professionals and technicians.
Separately, a new "One Pass (AI and Tech)" will be introduced in January 2027 to attract top global talent in fields like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, replacing the existing Tech Pass.
Main Topics: Expansion of foreign manpower sources for service-sector jobs; Increases to work pass qualifying salaries; Introduction of a new pass for technology talent.