Important Updates
Important Updates
May 19, 2025 | United Arab Emirates, Saudi ArabiaAn Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)
May 20, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
May 20, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients
May 20, 2025 | United KingdomResearch Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity
May 20, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: April/May 2025 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
May 19, 2025 | United Arab Emirates, Saudi ArabiaAn Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)
May 20, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
May 20, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients
May 20, 2025 | United KingdomResearch Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity
May 20, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: April/May 2025 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
May 19, 2025 | United Arab Emirates, Saudi ArabiaAn Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcastsVideos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapFragomen Consulting EuropeAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Upcoming Changes to Foreign Worker Rules

March 8, 2018

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • SingaporeSingapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

Singapore’s Minister for Manpower recently announced upcoming changes to foreign worker rules aimed at ensuring local access to skilled jobs and raising the quality of foreign workers. The announcement covers major changes in policy that can potentially affect a large number of foreign nationals and their employers in Singapore.


The situation

Singapore’s Minister for Manpower recently announced upcoming changes to foreign worker rules.

A closer look

Highlights of the announced changes include the following:

  • Expanded job posting requirement. Starting July 1, 2018, the 14-day job posting requirement for Employment Pass (EP) applicants will be expanded to cover companies with at least 10 employees or positions earning less than SGD 15,000 a month.
    • Impact. Since currently, only companies with more than 25 employees or positions paying a fixed monthly salary of less than SGD 12,000 month are required to post a job advertisement for positions offered to EP applicants, the new rule will require more companies to adhere to pre-EP application steps.
       
  • Higher salary threshold for S Passes. Starting January 1, 2019, the salary threshold for applying an S Pass will be raised to SGD 2,300 from the current SGD 2,200. This will further increase to SGD 2,400 starting January 1, 2020. The last salary threshold adjustment for the S Pass was done in 2013.
    • Impact.
      • The higher salary threshold will require employers to reevaluate their budgets for hiring foreign workers.
      • Existing S Pass holders whose passes will expire between January 1 and June 30, 2019 can still renew their passes under the previous salary threshold of SGD 2,200, but with a limited validity of up to one year instead of the maximum two years.
         
  • Longer maximum employment periods for Work Permit holders.
    • Starting May 1, 2018, the rule regarding how long a foreign worker can hold a Work Permit in the Construction, Process and Marine Shipyard sector will be increased to the following:
      • R1 level (higher skilled): from 22 years to 26 years
      • R2 level: from 10 years to 14 years
    • For the Services and Manufacturing sector, the rule regarding how long a foreign worker can hold a Work Permit will be increased to the following:
      • R1 level (higher skilled): from 18 years to 22 years
      • R2 level: from 10 years to 14 years
    • Impact. The increased allowable work periods will allow foreign workers to remain in Singapore longer.
       
  • New upgrade pathways for Work Permit holders. Starting September 1, 2018, the government will expand the qualification criteria for Work Permit holders to be able to upgrade to a R1 (higher skilled) foreign national level. The higher the level, the lower the levy an employer needs to pay for each foreign worker.  The new qualification criteria will be as follows:
    • For those employed in the Manufacturing sector: Fixed monthly salary of SGD 1,600 plus four years’ work experience
    • For those employed in the Marine Shipyard sector: Fixed monthly salary of SGD 1,200 plus two years’ work experience
    • Impact. Foreign nationals in these industries can currently only upgrade to the R1 level by meeting certain academic qualifications or passing a skills evaluation test. The additional criteria will expand the amount of companies that qualify for an R1-level, which means more companies will be able to pay a lower levy for foreign workers.

 

Looking ahead

Foreign nationals and their employers should consult with their immigration professionals on how to manage the impact of these changes. Fragomen will provide updates on any further developments.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • SingaporeSingapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Research Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

An Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Win "Partnership with an International Charity" at Better Society 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Freelance Licence in the UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Immigration White Paper Sends Message That the UK is “Closed for Business”

Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

A System Reset Presents Challenges and Opportunities: The UK’s Immigration White Paper in Focus

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

AMCHAM Luxembourg: Interview – Virginie Todesco, Fragomen

Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: H-1B Visa Cap Results: 65% Rejected, Immigration Fees Prompt Decline

Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognised at Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025

Fragomen was recognised at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025 with an award in the "Immigration Practice of the Year" category in London on 14 May 2025.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Research Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

An Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Win "Partnership with an International Charity" at Better Society 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Freelance Licence in the UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Immigration White Paper Sends Message That the UK is “Closed for Business”

Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

A System Reset Presents Challenges and Opportunities: The UK’s Immigration White Paper in Focus

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

AMCHAM Luxembourg: Interview – Virginie Todesco, Fragomen

Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: H-1B Visa Cap Results: 65% Rejected, Immigration Fees Prompt Decline

Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognised at Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025

Fragomen was recognised at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025 with an award in the "Immigration Practice of the Year" category in London on 14 May 2025.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.