Salary Thresholds for Calculating Foreign National Worker Quota Set to Increase
June 6, 2017

Effective July 1, 2017, the Ministry of Manpower will implement planned increases in the salary thresholds used to categorize local workers as either full-time or part-time employees for purposes of calculating the available foreign national worker quota for employers sponsoring S Pass and Work Permit applications. A further increase is set to take effect next year on the same date.
Increased Salary Thresholds Expected
For one year, starting from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, local workers earning at least SGD 1,100 will be counted as full-time employees, while those earning SGD 550 to below SGD 1,100 will be counted as part-time employees.
On July 1, 2018, the threshold will again increase with local workers earning at least SGD 1,200 counted as full-time employees, while those earning SGD 600 to below SGD 1,200 counted as part-time employees.
For purposes of calculating the foreign national worker quota, two part-time local employees are equivalent to one full-time local employee. Employers with more local workers in their workforce are generally granted higher quotas to sponsor foreign national workers. Local employees earning less than the threshold amount will not be counted towards the quota.
The government regularly reviews these figures in order to line up with current income trends. The last review was completed in 2013.
What This Means for Employers
Employers of S Pass or Work Permit holders will be affected by this change. They can consider increasing the salaries of local employees or hiring more local workers in order to offset any loss of allocated quota as a result of the impending change.
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].
Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Awards
Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Media mentions
Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.

Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Awards
Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Media mentions
Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.

Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.