Unlocking Opportunities with the Singapore COMPASS Framework: A Step-by-Step Guide
Singapore is implementing a new points system called the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) to assess Employment Pass (EP) applications. This transparent system aims to enhance workforce diversity and facilitate employers in selecting high-quality foreign professionals while building a strong local workforce. COMPASS will apply to new applications starting from 1 September 2023 and renewal applications from 1 September 2024.
Under COMPASS, the government aims to balance business needs and the competitiveness of Singaporean professionals, managers, and executives (PMEs) across industries. In addition to evaluating the eligibility of foreign applicants for employment passes, COMPASS will also support manpower planning and align with Singapore's strategic economic priorities.
Key Takeaways
COMPASS is a new points system for Singapore's Employment Pass applications.
Aimed at improving workforce diversity and supporting local talent.
COMPASS applies to new EP applications starting 1 September 2023 and renewal applications starting 1 September 2024.
Singapore COMPASS Overview
The Singapore Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) is a new system introduced by the Ministry of Manpower to evaluate applications for Employment Passes (EP) in Singapore. It assesses foreign professionals, managers, and executives (PMEs) seeking to work in Singapore, ensuring they meet specific requirements and attract top talent.
Starting 1 September 2023, EP candidates must meet the qualifying salary (Stage 1). Then, they must pass a points-based COMPASS assessment (Stage 2). Points are given based on four attributes and two bonus criteria, including educational qualifications, salary, nationality diversity of the firm, and local employment support.
The introduction of COMPASS has resulted in a clearer and more transparent EP application process, enabling companies to prepare better and plan. By focusing on the need for foreign talent to strengthen and complement the local workforce, this assessment framework aims to balance the needs of both local and foreign employees.
Eligibility Criteria
All new EP applicants must pass the points-based COMPASS and meet the EP qualifying salary starting 1 September 2023.
Who is Eligible?
Candidates will need to pass the 2-stage eligibility framework:
Stage 1 - Earn at least the EP qualifying salary, benchmarked to the top 1/3 of local PMET salaries by age. Refer to this link for the EP Qualifying Salary by Age.
Stage 2 -Pass the points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), unless exempted
Note:
Candidates who do not pass Stage 1 will not be eligible for EP regardless of points earned under COMPASS.
EP Qualifying Salary (Stage 1)
Starting 1 September 2023, these are the qualifying salary requirements for Employment Pass (EP) applications:
For all sectors except financial services:
Minimum salary of S$5,000
Progressive increase based on age, up to $10,500 for individuals aged 45 and above
For the financial services sector:
Minimum salary of S$5,500
Progressive increase based on age, up to $11,500 for individuals aged 45 and above
If you renew an EP expiring on 1 December 2023 and your employee does not work in the financial services sector, they must earn at least $5,000.
Please note that COMPASS is not required for EP renewals expiring before 1 September 2024.
COMPASS (Stage 2)
COMPASS is a points-based system that allows employers to select high-quality foreign professionals while improving diversity in the workforce without compromising the local core.
How is COMPASS Evaluated?
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will introduce COMPASS, a new points-based system for assessing Employment Pass (EP) applications. COMPASS will apply to:
new EP applications from 1 September 2023
renewal EP applications from 1 September 2024
This framework allows employers to select high-quality foreign professionals while promoting workforce diversity and strengthening the local workforce.
To be eligible, EP applicants must have a minimum of 40 points. The evaluation process includes four foundational criteria:
Salary
Qualifications
Diversity
Support of Local Employment
And two bonus criteria:
Skills Bonus (Shortage Occupation List)
Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus.
Four Foundational Criteria and How to Score Points
C1. Salary
This criterion compares your candidate's salary to the local PMET salaries in your industry. It differs from the EP qualifying salary, the minimum requirement for obtaining an EP. If the candidate does not meet the EP qualifying salary, they will not be eligible for an EP, regardless of their score under the C1 salary benchmark.
C2. Qualifications
The applicant's academic qualifications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Top 100 ranked universities worldwide
Universities in Singapore
Highly recognized vocational institutions
A bachelor's degree from the United Kingdom academic system will be the standard comparison for degree-equivalent qualifications. The employer will also verify the qualifications.
The list of top-tier institutions is on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.
Verification Proof Requirements
Applicants (or corporate service providers applying for EP on behalf of their clients) will need to submit verification proof in their EP application to earn points for this criterion.
Employers need to verify that candidates have genuine qualifications from accredited institutions. Authenticity checks ensure the candidate received or was awarded the qualification. Accreditation checks ensure the qualification is recognized by local government authorities.
MOM only accepts verification resources listed on this page.
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C3. Diversity
To evaluate this criterion, we rely on the ratio of PMET employees of the applicant's nationality to the total number of PMETs in the company. Many PMETs of the same nationality as the applicant reduce their chances of scoring points on the diversity criterion.
C4. Support for Local Employment
The percentage of local PMET employees, i.e., Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents, is compared to other companies in the same industry. Employers with more local employees than peer companies in the sector will receive points for this.
If your organization has a local PMET share of at least 70% (based on the 20th percentile of all organizations), your application will receive a minimum of 10 points. This applies regardless of your organization's position within its sector. This ensures fairness for organizations in sectors with many local PMET employees.
C5. Skills Bonus (Shortage Occupation List)
If there is a shortage of certain skills in the local job market, those skills may be included in the Shortage Occupation List. In this case, applicants for such jobs will receive additional points.
How to Obtain the C5 Skills Bonus
To qualify for the position in the specific shortage occupation, your candidate must perform the job duties listed. Applicants must select one eligible job title in their EP application.
If the candidate falls into either of these categories, they need to meet the following additional job requirements:
They need to earn SOL bonus points to pass COMPASS.
They are applying for a 5-year EP for a specific tech job listed on the Shortage Occupation List.
MOM will evaluate the applicant's job duties, qualifications, industry accreditation for the declared occupation, and past work experience.
Change of Occupation (Redeployment)
If your candidate needs SOL bonus points to pass COMPASS or obtain a longer EP, they can only work in the specific shortage occupation. This is because the applicant would not be able to meet the eligibility criteria if they weren't working in that job role.
Applicants must inform MOM if they must be redeployed to a different occupation. MOM will then reassess the candidate's eligibility for an EP.
C6. Strategic Economic Purposes Bonus
Companies engaged in innovative and international activities in partnership with the Singaporean government will receive additional points. This bonus rewards organizations that are either:
Undertaking significant investment, innovation, and internationalization activities in collaboration with economic agencies.
Recognized by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) as a strong partner for company and workforce transformation activities.
Singapore is always ready to nurture and support firms capable of contributing innovative capacity in the country's economy, strengthening the country's global connections and economic competitiveness.
The supporting agencies running the relevant program will decide on the award of the SEP bonus. MOM will inform the company if it has been awarded the bonus points under this criterion, which will be reflected in the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT).
Validity of SEP Bonus Points
Bonus points are good for up to three years or for the entire duration of an organization's participation in an eligible programme, whichever is shorter.
Renewal Eligibility for SEP Bonus Points
The company's supporting agency will review whether to continue supporting for the SEP bonus at the end of the validity period.
In order to be eligible for reneawl, the company must participate in an eligible program and meet the following criteria for three consecutive months:
Score at least 10 points for C3. Diversity.
Score at least 10 points for C4. Support for local employment.
These criteria aim to promote diversification and improvement of your organization's workforce.
Exemptions from COMPASS
Candidates are exempt from COMPASS if they meet any of the following conditions:
Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $22,500, similar to the prevailing Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) job advertising exemption from 1 September 2023.
They are applying as an overseas intra corporate transferee
They are only filling the role for one month or less.
Supporting Agencies and Partners
The COMPASS initiative in Singapore is supported by multiple agencies and partners working together to boost the country's economic growth and workforce development. These include Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), sector agencies, and tripartite partners.
Enterprise Singapore empowers local businesses by offering innovation, productivity, market access, and human capital development support. We help firms achieve sustainable growth and global competitiveness, aligning with Singapore's strategic economic priorities.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) plays a vital role in the COMPASS initiative. IMDA aims to foster Singapore's infocomm media sector by collaborating with industry, government, and academia to boost digital innovation, create job opportunities, and position Singapore as a global leader in the digital economy.
The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) supports the development of Singapore's workforce. NTUC represents and advocates for its members, ensuring better job opportunities, rights, and benefits. It works closely with the government and employers to create a conducive environment for workers, contributing to the nation's progress.
Sector agencies implement policies and oversee specific industries' productivity, innovation, and internationalization activities. They coordinate efforts across sectors, fostering collaboration among businesses. These agencies work closely with the government and other stakeholders to ensure a competitive landscape that facilitates growth.
Tripartite partners, which include the government, employers, and unions, play a crucial role in the COMPASS initiative. They work together to establish a harmonious relationship and achieve common goals through mutual trust. Their collaboration ensures the successful implementation of policies and initiatives that contribute to a sustainable and balanced economy.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, the COMPASS Framework is a comprehensive tool designed to ensure a fair and transparent assessment of foreign professionals looking to work in Singapore. By understanding its key components and preparing accordingly, applicants can navigate this process successfully and contribute to the rich tapestry of Singapore's diverse workforce.
Applicants are advised to familiarize themselves with the criteria laid out in the COMPASS Framework. They should ensure that their qualifications, work experiences, and skills align with the requirements of the job role they are applying for in Singapore. It is also beneficial to highlight language proficiency and any other skills that would add value to the Singaporean workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The MOM COMPASS, or Complementarity Assessment Framework, is a new points-based system introduced by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to evaluate Employment Pass (EP) applications.
The primary objective of COMPASS is to enable employers to select high-quality foreign professionals to work in Singapore, thereby improving workforce diversity and fostering skill complementarity.
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The Employment Pass salary criterion for Malaysians is based on the EP qualifying salary benchmark, similar to other applicants. However, the salary requirement may vary depending on the firm's sector under COMPASS and other factors such as the applicant's qualifications and experience.
Employers need to ensure that their foreign employees meet the minimum salary criteria set by the Ministry of Manpower for their specific sector.
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The COMPASS Shortage List is not mentioned in the provided search results. For accurate and up-to-date information on occupations that are in demand in Singapore, it is best to consult official sources like the Ministry of Manpower or contact relevant industry associations.
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Under the COMPASS framework, the EP points calculator evaluates Employment Pass applications based on various criteria, such as salary, qualifications, experience, and occupation. Each applicant will receive a total score based on this assessment, which will be used to determine their eligibility for an Employment Pass.
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The search results do not explicitly mention any specific Employment Pass rejection rate figures for Singapore. However, it is essential to remember that securing an Employment Pass depends on meeting the eligibility criteria set by the Ministry of Manpower and the competitive landscape.
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To check the status of your Singapore Employment Pass, you should visit the Check Application Status page on the Ministry of Manpower's website. You must provide your application's unique reference number and passport number to retrieve the information.