Effective January 1, 2026, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will implement updates to two scoring criteria under the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), the points-based system used to evaluate Employment Pass (EP) applications for both new and renewal cases.
What is COMPASS?
COMPASS assesses EP applicants across:
- Four foundational criteria:
- Salary
- Qualifications
- Diversity
- Support for local employment
- Two bonus criteria:
- Skills Bonus (Shortage Occupation List – SOL)
- Strategic Economic Priorities
Applicants must score at least 40 points to pass. MOM reviews these criteria regularly to ensure alignment with labor market needs.
Key Changes Effective January 1, 2026
Criterion 2 – Qualifications
- Updated list of top-tier institutions that earn 20 points for degree holders.
- Expanded list of professional qualifications recognized as degree-equivalent, now covering additional sectors. Applicants with these qualifications will continue to earn 10 points.
Criterion 5 – Shortage Occupation List (SOL)
- Additions: Two new occupations in the Healthcare sector.
- Removals: Cyber Risk Specialist, Cybersecurity Operations Specialist, and Product Manager (Digital).
Applicants in SOL roles can earn up to 20 bonus points.
Tools for Employers
- MOM has updated its Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) for Criterion 2 changes, allowing employers to pre-assess EP applications.
- SAT updates for Criterion 5 will be available December 1, 2025.
Impact
These updates may enable EP applicants to earn points in areas previously unavailable, giving employers access to a broader pool of global talent while maintaining Singapore’s commitment to a balanced and competitive workforce.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.