Quota system restricts employers from hiring more than the permitted number of foreign workers. This quota varies depending on the industry and aims to control the inflow of foreign workers. For this article, we will discuss the Singapore Employment Pass quota.
For the Employment Pass, there is no foreign worker levy or quota associated with this type of pass. Such quotas only apply to S Pass and Work Permit (WP). It should be noted that these work passes are also considered long-term visit passes (LTVP) in Singapore.
Theoretically, any Singapore-registered Companies can hire an unlimited number of foreign professionals via an Employment Pass. Despite this, the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has imposed strict regulations and assessments before approving the applications.
MOM has started tightening the requirements for a EP candidate to qualify and, at the same time, decreasing the quota for foreign expatriates to reside and work in Singapore.
All employers in Singapore are expected to adhere to the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices. This is to promote fair employment practices and improve labour market transparency to build and retain a core of Singapore employees and further support locals’ employment opportunities in Singapore.
For those who have the intention to be self-employed, you may also opt to set up your own Singapore company setup with EP.
If there is no quota, will it be difficult to attain an Employment Pass?
As we reach the endemic stage, approvals are aplenty. The influx of approvals indicates the government’s plan to replenish the talents who left during the pandemic.
Undoubtedly, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) still allows employers to apply for an Employment Pass for foreign candidates. However, they will strictly filter each application based on their qualifications, salary offered, and work experiences.
In the latest developments, the minimum qualifying monthly salary for EP application will be raised from S$4,500 to S$5,000. Aside from this, a point-based system will be introduced under the COMPASS framework that guides every EP application from September 2023 onwards.
The new framework outlines the key criteria for both the applicant and employer from salary benchmarks, work experiences, diversity, and company size, to innovation.
Employment Pass Quota on Nationalities
Under the new COMPASS framework which will be launched on 1 September, there is an unspoken EP quota on nationalities. This falls under the Employer’s criteria of diversity.
While this is not a hard quota on any specific nationalities, companies who wish to employ foreign talents via the employment pass needs to plan their manpower resource carefully.
The number of foreign and local employees in the same company must be fair and diversified. For instance, if the company has 4 Malaysian employees on record on the EP, the chances of securing another Malaysian employee with EP would generally be difficult as no points will be awarded under the ‘Diversity’ criteria.
However, if both the company and candidate score well in other categories, the issue of EP quota on nationalities and diversities will not be an issue if 40 points can be attained.
Our thoughts
Overall, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) did not restrict any nationality to apply for an Employment Pass or have a quota for Singapore Employment Pass. All the talents that are able to enhance the Singapore economy are welcome to work in Singapore.
However, the critical deciding factor is whether such talents are scarce and not available locally. All in all, it comes down to MOM whether or not you are a suitable fit to contribute to the country.
FAQs
If you are ready to start your Employment Pass application, click here to fill up the Employment Pass Questionnaire. Our in-house agent will help you with this process.
You may also use the Self Assessment Tool (SAT) to check your eligibility for the Employment Pass or S Pass before applying or appealing.
Job scope and qualifications do not match. Educational background and experience must align with the job requirements.
The previous employer did not hire locals or maintained an imbalanced local-to-foreign ratio, showing weak contribution to Singapore’s workforce.
The role can easily be filled by a local candidate.
The applicant does not meet salary or educational qualification benchmarks.
Short job tenures or frequent job changes (less than two years) raise red flags with MOM regarding stability and intent.
After applying for an EP online, the following image can be seen:
- Pending: MOM is still reviewing your documents.
- Approved: MOM has granted the pass, and you can now proceed to card issuance.
- Rejected: The application has been declined, and you may file an appeal within three months.
Approved applicants should schedule an appointment with MOM to receive and activate their Employment Pass.
- S Pass holders cannot own or be a director of a company and are limited in certain industries.
- Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holders have higher salary requirements and face restrictions on some job types.
- EntrePass holders must meet strict innovation, investment, or entrepreneurial criteria.
By contrast, the Employment Pass offers flexibility, fewer restrictions, and accessibility, making it the most preferred work visa among foreign professionals in Singapore.
Since August 2014, MOM requires most companies to advertise job vacancies on the MyCareersFuture portal for at least 14 days before applying for an EP, ensuring fair consideration for local candidates.
Exemptions apply to:
- Companies with fewer than 25 employees
- Jobs paying more than SGD 12,000 per month
- Intra-corporate transferees (senior managers or specialists)
- Short-term positions (less than one month)
If your EP application is rejected:
- Review MOM’s stated reasons carefully.
- Prepare an appeal letter addressing the issues raised.
- Submit additional documents (like improved salary proof or new company financials).
Appeals take a minimum of three weeks, and all must be filed within three months of rejection. After that period, a new application must be submitted.
The Self-Assessment Tool (SAT), available on MOM’s official website, helps employers and applicants check their eligibility before applying for an EP.
It assesses:
- Nationality
- Educational qualifications
- Work experience
- Expected salary
If the SAT shows ineligibility, it is recommended not to proceed, as such applications are likely to be rejected. However, the SAT is an advisory tool, and MOM ultimately makes the final decision after full evaluation.
Yes, you will need to cancel your existing EntrePass before applying for AIP EP.
No, you need not cancel your existing EP. Rather, you should apply for AIP EP along with a letter of no objection from your current employer. Your AIP EP will be treated as an application for an additional EntrePass to work for another company.
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I am staying in India right now, I had worked in Singapore from 2012 to 2018, with few months GAP in between on Dependant pass. In the beginning of 2019 we shifted to India due to my mothers health condition.
My earlier employer is willing to take me on EP now as Accounts/ Finance Manager. I am aged 61 with graduation and accounting technician certification from Institute of Chartered Accountants of India with vast experience in the relevant field.
How are my chances of getting my EP?
My employer is a renowned SME engaged in trading business in Singapore. My employer is ready to give me S$ 6000/ month. Will I get EP and DP for my wife too, who incidentally worked with a multinational bank in Singapore.
Kindly guide me
It is possible for you to secure an Employment Pass for yourself based on the information provided.
Using your employment pass, your wife will be able to get a Dependant Pass. If she requires an EP, she will need to secure a job in Singapore or alternatively, we can assist her in incorporating a company and securing and EP through the company.
If you have further inquiries, or you would like our advice on your EP, please contact us at Paul Hype Page so we can further discuss this with you.
Thank you for your comment.
Warm regards
Paul
Hi
How much would it cost for you to apply for an EP for one of our staff? Her salary is 4.2k SGD, Malaysian.
Hello Harvey,
As long as your staff member fulfills all the necessary criteria, we will be able to apply for an EP for her.
It costs S$800 to apply for an EP, according to our fee structures.
If you would like to know more about the Singapore EP, contact us and we will provide you with all the information you may need.
Thank you.
Paul