Compass Singapore: Your Guide to Exploring the Lion City
Are you planning to work in Singapore? If so, you may need to apply for an Employment Pass (EP), which is a work visa that allows foreign professionals to work in Singapore. To obtain an EP, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements, including passing the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).
COMPASS is a points-based system that assesses the complementarity between local and foreign professionals. It takes into account factors such as your educational qualifications, work experience, and salary. From 1 September 2023, Singapore will use a new version of COMPASS to assess EP applications for non-local employees. If you are planning to apply for an EP, it is important to understand how COMPASS works and what you can do to increase your chances of success.
Key Takeaways
- To work in Singapore, you may need to apply for an Employment Pass (EP).
- EP applicants are assessed using the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), which is a points-based system that assesses the complementarity between local and foreign professionals.
- From 1 September 2023, Singapore will use a new version of COMPASS to assess EP applications for non-local employees.
Understanding Employment Pass in Singapore
If you are a foreigner seeking to work in Singapore, you will need to obtain an Employment Pass (EP). The EP is a work visa that allows foreign professionals, managers, and executives to work in Singapore. In this section, we will discuss the eligibility and application process for the EP, as well as renewals and fair consideration.
Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible for an EP, you must meet certain criteria set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The first criterion is the EP qualifying salary, which is benchmarked to the top 1/3 of local PMET salaries by age. As of June 2024, the EP qualifying salary is at least SGD 4,500 for applicants under 30 years old and at least SGD 5,000 for applicants aged 30 and above.
The second criterion is the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), which is a points-based system that evaluates the applicant’s qualifications, skills, work experience, and other factors. From September 1st, 2023, EP candidates must pass a two-stage eligibility framework. Stage 1 is to meet the EP Qualifying Salary, and Stage 2 is to pass COMPASS.
To apply for an EP, your employer or appointed employment agent must submit an online application to MOM. The application must include your personal and employment details, as well as supporting documents such as your degree-equivalent qualification, professional certifications, and work experience.
Renewals and Fair Consideration
EPs are typically valid for up to two years and are renewable thereafter. To renew your EP, you must meet the renewal eligibility criteria, which include earning a salary that meets the EP qualifying salary and demonstrating that your employer has fairly considered all jobseekers, including Singaporeans and permanent residents, for your position.
Under the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF), employers are required to advertise job vacancies on the national jobs bank for at least 14 days before submitting an EP application. The FCF aims to support local employment and ensure that EPs are granted to foreign professionals only when there are no suitable Singaporeans or permanent residents for the job.
In conclusion, obtaining an EP in Singapore requires meeting the eligibility criteria, submitting a complete application, and complying with the renewal eligibility and fair consideration requirements. With the right qualifications and skills, you can pursue your career in Singapore and contribute to the country’s economy and society.
Strategic Priorities and Workforce Integration
Economic Priorities and Talent Diversity
To be eligible for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore, you must meet certain criteria that are evaluated using the Compass system. One of the bonus criteria is the Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus, which recognises firms undertaking ambitious investment, innovation, internationalisation, or company and workforce transformation activities. Firms receiving the SEP bonus will be awarded 10 bonus points on COMPASS for each EP application submitted.
To improve your chances of being awarded the SEP bonus, you should consider investing in the Singaporean market, expanding your business internationally, and transforming your company and workforce. This can help you to score higher on the Compass system and ultimately improve your chances of being granted an EP.
Local Workforce Support and Sectoral Needs
The Compass system also evaluates candidates based on their ability to support the local workforce and meet sectoral needs. The system takes into account factors such as salary benchmark, education, work experience, and qualifications.
To improve your chances of being eligible for an EP, you should consider hiring local PMETs (professionals, managers, executives, and technicians) and supporting the local talent pool. You can also use the Workforce Insights Tool to gain insights into the local workforce and identify areas where you can improve your workforce diversity.
Some eligible programmes for the Compass system include the Top-Tier Institution and NTUC programmes. The Compass system uses a points-based system to evaluate candidates, with a minimum of 40 points required on four foundational criteria with bonus criteria, for skills in shortage and strategic economic priorities programmes, to assure complementarity with Singaporean employees.
By focusing on economic priorities, national diversity, and strategic economic priorities, you can improve your chances of being awarded the SEP bonus and ultimately improve your eligibility for an EP. With the right attributes, investment, and internationalisation, you can earn bonus points and improve your chances of being granted an EP in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does COMPASS determine music rights in Singapore?
COMPASS is not related to music rights in Singapore. It is a new Complementarity Assessment Framework used by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to assess Employment Pass (EP) applications for non-local employees.
What role does the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) play in the COMPASS framework?
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is responsible for administering the COMPASS framework. MOM is Singapore’s main authority for labour issues and is responsible for ensuring that EP applicants meet the necessary requirements to work in Singapore.
What is the minimum salary requirement for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore?
The minimum salary requirement for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore is SGD 4,500 per month. However, from 1 September 2023, Singapore will use a new Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) to assess EP applications for non-local employees. The framework involves assessing applicants based on specific criteria and is aimed at improving workforce diversity and supporting local talent.
How can I use the MOM COMPASS calculator to assess my eligibility for work passes?
The MOM COMPASS calculator is not available for public use. It is an internal tool used by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to assess Employment Pass (EP) applications for non-local employees. However, you can use the Self-Assessment Tool to gauge your chances of working in Singapore.
Can you explain the points system used by the COMPASS for EP applications in Singapore?
The points system used by the COMPASS for EP applications in Singapore involves assessing applicants based on four foundational criteria: skills, experience, qualifications, and salary. Each criterion is assigned a certain number of points, and applicants must score a minimum number of points to be eligible for an EP. The exact number of points required varies depending on the applicant’s profile.
Where can I find the Self-Assessment Tool for gauging my chances of working in Singapore?
You can find the Self-Assessment Tool on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website. The tool allows you to assess your eligibility for various work passes, including the Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, and Work Permit. It takes into account factors such as your salary, qualifications, and work experience to give you an idea of your chances of working in Singapore.
