Singapore Shortage Occupation List updated
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has released an updated version of its Shortage Occupation List (SOL), applicable to new and renewal Employment Permit (EP) applications from 1 January 2025.
The SOL lists all jobs eligible for the COMPASS C5. Skills bonus.
The updated SOL includes several new occupations, including semiconductor engineers, instrumentation engineers and production engineers.
The current version of the SOL Employer Guide applies to new and renewal applications submitted up to 31 December 2024 (inclusive).
The jobs under the infocomm technology sector also qualify for the 5-year duration EP.
To obtain the C5. Skills bonus or a 5-year duration EP:
- The candidate needs to perform the job duties listed for the specific shortage occupation;
- The candidate needs to meet the additional requirements as stated in the SOL Employer Guide;
- The employer needs to select the shortage occupation in the EP application.
Updated salary benchmarks
In addition, new benchmarks under the C1. Salary criteria of COMPASS will apply to new EP applications from 1 January 2025 and renewals of EPs expiring from 1 July 2025.
The current C1. Salary benchmarks will continue to apply to new EP applications submitted up to 31 December 2024 (inclusive) and to renewals of EPs expiring until 30 June 2025.
Background
Since 1 September 2023, new EP candidates must pass a two-stage eligibility framework. In addition to meeting the qualifying salary (Stage 1), EP candidates must pass a points-based Complementarity Assessment (COMPASS) Framework (Stage 2). COMPASS also applies to renewals for passes expiring from 1 September 2024.
COMPASS evaluates EP applications based on a set of individual and firm-related attributes, with four foundational criteria (individual salary and qualifications, company diversity and support for local employment) and two bonus criteria (for jobs on the shortage occupation list, and for strategic partnership with government).
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).
Singapore immigration support
The Global Immigration team at Smith Stone Walters can assist employers in Singapore with applying for Employment Passes for workers.
To find out more about our immigration services for businesses in Singapore, please contact us today.
