Search the Community

looks like better than nothing. but wonder how strict and how hard they will examine the qualifications and experience. let's wait and see. ----- Higher pay threshold for entry & mid-level foreign execs By S Ramesh | Posted: 16 August 2011 1422 hrs SINGAPORE: The Manpower Ministry (MOM) has announced details of the enhancements to the Employment Pass framework which will take effect from 1 January 2012. The ministry said the demand for Employment Pass has increased rapidly since the economic recovery in 2010, and it's likely to keep growing. It is introducing measures which will tighten the eligibility requirements for those entering the lower and mid-level professional and skilled jobs. The ministry added that the move will also ensure that as the salary of local workers rise, they would not be disadvantaged by Employment Pass holders who are coming in at lower wages. A key change will be to the Q1 pass. The ministry said it is tightening the educational qualifying requirements so that only those from good quality institutions will be eligible. It is also moving away from the single qualifying salary of $2,800. Instead, the applicant will have to earn at least $3,000 and the ministry will also look at his qualification and experience. For P2 pass holders, the qualifying salary will go up from the current $4,000 to $4,500. There will be no change in the qualifying salary for P1 pass holders, which will remain as $8,000. As for existing Employment Pass holders, the ministry will phase in the new requirements over the next 1 to 2 years, depending on when their current passes expire. This is to give businesses time to make necessary adjustments. For example, existing Employment Pass holders whose passes expire before 1 Jan 2012 will receive a one-time renewal of up to 2 years, based on the pre-July 2011 Employment Pass criteria. For those whose passes expire between 1 Jan 2012 and 30 June 2012, they will get a one-time renewal of up to a year, while those whose passes expire on or after 1 July 2012, will be subject to the new Employment Pass criteria. - CNA /ls