Key Points

  • Singapore will lower its quota for S Pass workers in the manufacturing sector in 2022
  • Quotas will be reduced from 20 percent to 18 percent in 2022 and 15 percent in 2023
  • Companies can retain S Pass workers until their pass expires if they are hired before the new quotas
  • S Pass holders may not be able to renew their pass if their employee exceeds the quota limit
  • Companies are encouraged to hire more local workers to retain their current S Pass workers in 2022

Overview

In 2022, the Government of Singapore will lower its S Pass quota for the manufacturing sector.

What are the Changes?

Manufacturing quotas will drop from 20 percent to 18 percent in 2022. They will be further reduced to 15 percent in 2023.

Who is Affected?

The changes apply to foreign nationals seeking an S Pass in the manufacturing sector and their employers.

What Should Employers and Applicants Know?

Once the new changes take effect, companies may employ foreign workers in excess of the quota limits until their S Pass expires, provided they are hired before the new quotas take effect.

Employers and applicants should note that current S Pass holders may not be able to renew their S Pass following implementation of the new quotas if the employer exceeds the quota.

Looking Ahead

The reduced quota limits are designed to protect the local workforce. Companies are encouraged to hire more local employees so that they can retain their S Pass workers when the new quota takes effect.

Originally published 24 February 2021

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