Important Updates
Important Updates
October 23, 2025 | 🌐Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB
October 24, 2025 | United StatesBloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee
October 24, 2025 | PeruPeru: Technical Issues Affecting Online Visa Renewal Applications
October 24, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: What Employers and Foreign Nationals Need to Know about the New H-1B Fee
October 23, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Processing Delays for Residence Card Issuance
October 23, 2025 | 🌐Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB
October 24, 2025 | United StatesBloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee
October 24, 2025 | PeruPeru: Technical Issues Affecting Online Visa Renewal Applications
October 24, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: What Employers and Foreign Nationals Need to Know about the New H-1B Fee
October 23, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Processing Delays for Residence Card Issuance
October 23, 2025 | 🌐Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • 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
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

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
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Singapore: Temporary Increase in Work Pass Quotas for Eligible Companies

December 16, 2022

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

  • The Singapore government is now accepting applications for temporary increases in work pass quotas under the Manpower for Strategic Economic Priorities (M-SEP) scheme. 
  • Companies seeking to apply under the M-SEP must participate in at least one of the economic schemes under any of the five agencies of the Singapore government and must commit to hire or provide suitable training to the same number of locals as the additional quotas that are being sought.
  • Eligible companies will be given a renewable increased work pass quota of up to 5% of their existing base workforce, capped at 50 additional workers, for two years at a time.

The situation

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of Singapore is now accepting applications (per entity) for temporary increases in S Pass and Work Permit quotas under the new Manpower for Strategic Economic Priorities (M-SEP) scheme.

A closer look

  • Eligibility. Applicants must meet both the following two conditions in order to be eligible to apply for additional quotas under the M-SEP:
    • The company applying for additional quotas must either be already part of at least one industry deemed part of the country’s economic scheme (i.e., investments supporting Singapore’s ‘hub strategy’, innovation or research and development and internationalization), or been deemed to meet certain economic criteria by any of the following Singapore government agencies:
      • Economic Development Board (EDB);
      • Enterprise Singapore;
      • Infocomm Media Development Authority;
      • Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA); and
      • Singapore Tourism Board.
    • The company applying for additional quotas must commit to hire, or send for training the same number of locals as the additional quota it seeks within two years.
      • These local workers sent for training must be enrolled in one of 10 recognized training programs from the EDB, SkillsFuture, Workforce Singapore or MPA.
      • Companies who are considered industry leaders that fill critical skill gaps and benefits their sector also can be considered to meet the second condition.
  • Additional quotas. Successful applicants, which the government will cap at 1% of all registered business entities in Singapore, will receive an additional 5% quota of their existing base work force but cannot exceed an additional 50 workers for two years at a time (renewable) under the M-SEP scheme. Generally, companies are capped at hiring S Pass holders at 10% of the company’s total workforce in the services sector and 18% (15% starting January 1, 2023) in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard and process sectors.

Impact

  • Addressing skills shortage. Eligible applicants benefit from additional S Pass and Work Permit slots that will allow them to access a larger talent pool beyond the local labor market in Singapore, especially those in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard and process sectors where the S Pass quota is set to decrease from 18% to just 15% starting January 1, 2023.
  • Compliance. Applicants seeking to apply for or renew the increased quota grant will be required to show that they have met their commitments and maintained their local workforce share. Companies who fail to do so will be ineligible to apply for renewal for two years and may jeopardize future participation in government-led programs. 

Background

  • Exception to the regular tightening of quotas. This is the first time the MOM is introducing an exception to quota requirements, which is regularly reviewed and has been progressively cut since July 2012.
  • Complementing forthcoming immigration framework. The changes are in line with the government’s aim of supporting companies’ contributions to Singapore’s economy, which would have otherwise been restricted by the forthcoming immigration schemes, such as the points-based system for Employment Pass assessments.

Looking ahead

It is likely that the Singapore government will continue to tighten on the general number of S Pass and Work Permit holders but may continue to introduce new temporary immigration schemes that will allow high-value companies in certain industries to address skills shortages as exceptions.

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

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

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.