The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has released updated versions of its lists of educational institutions awarded 20 points and professional qualifications awarded 10 points under criterion C2 of the COMPASS points-based system. The new lists are applicable to new and renewal Employment Permit (EP) applications from January 1, 2025. The upcoming new qualifying salary requirements have also been clarified.
To qualify for EP applications, candidates must earn at least the EP qualifying salary, and pass the points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). COMPASS also applies to renewals for passes expiring since September 1, 2024.
- From January 1, 2025, the EP qualifying salary for new applications will be revised to at least SGD 5600 (up from SGD 5000), and at least SGD 6200 (up from SGD 5500) for the financial services sector. This revised EP qualifying salary will also apply to the renewal of EPs that are expiring from January 1, 2026.
- Criterion 2 of COMPASS awards points to candidates based on their qualifications, including up to 20 points for degree-equivalent qualifications from specified institutions, and 10 points for professional qualifications that are well-recognised by the industry and endorsed by a relevant sector agency.
- MOM has now published the updated 20-points institutions list and 10-points professional qualifications list, which will apply to new and renewal EP applications from 1 January 2025.
Other points may be awarded for nationality diversity (C3), support for local employment (C4), shortage occupations (C5) and contribution to strategic economic priorities (C6).
Candidates are exempted from COMPASS if they fulfil any of these conditions:
- Earning at least SGD 22,500 fixed monthly salary;
- Applying as an overseas intra-corporate transferee under the World Trade Organisation’s General Agreement on Trade in Services or an applicable Free Trade Agreement that Singapore is party to;
- Filling a role on a short-term basis (i.e., one month or less).
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.