Singapore: New COMPASS Details Announced

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced further updates regarding the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), which is the new points-based evaluation system for initial Employment Pass (EP) applications, starting September 2023, and EP renewal applications, beginning September 2024. COMPASS will consider EP applications based on various employee and employer-related criteria such as salary level, qualifications, nationality diversity, and support for local employment. COMPASS will award points based on qualifications from top-tier institutions (20 points), degree-equivalent qualifications (10 points), salary benchmarking table (up to 20 points) and bonus criteria, including positions listed on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) for applicants with in-demand skills (up to 20 points) and the Strategic Economic Priorities (SEP) Bonus for firms undertaking ambitious investment, innovation, internationalization, or workforce transformation activities (10 points). Applicants will need to score at least 40 points to qualify for an EP. Further details are expected to be released in the coming months.