On 6 March 2025, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced changes to the S Pass and Work Permit schemes.
S Pass
- Minimum qualifying salary rises from S$3,150 to S$3,300 a month, increasing with age up to S$4,800 for candidates in their mid-40s (financial services: from S$3,650 to S$3,800, up to S$5,650).
- Applies to new applications from 1 September 2025 and renewals for passes expiring from 1 September 2026.
- The Tier 1 S Pass levy rises from S$550 to S$650 a month from 1 September 2025, so all S Pass holders attract the same S$650 levy.
Work Permit
- From 1 July 2025, the maximum period of employment (previously 14 to 26 years, depending on the worker) is removed.
- From 1 July 2025, existing Work Permit holders can be employed up to age 63, and new applicants can be up to age 61.
- From 1 June 2025, Bhutan, Cambodia and Laos are added as approved non-traditional source countries.
- From 1 September 2025, more occupations (including cooks, heavy vehicle drivers and manufacturing operators) can be filled by workers from non-traditional sources, subject to existing quota and salary conditions.