Singapore to ensure new work pass for talent recruitment is not abused: Manpower Minister Tan See Leng

The new work pass will allow high-earners and high-achievers to live in Singapore without having to secure a job first.

Singapore will put in place safeguards to ensure that a new work pass for top talent recruitment from around the world is not abused, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng assured Parliament on September 12.

The new work pass will allow high-earners and high-achievers to live in the country without having to secure a job first. Tan's remarks came as he delivered a ministerial statement on Monday on strengthening Singapore’s position as a global hub for talent.

There were 24 Parliamentary questions raised seeking more details on new schemes to attract global talent, and on Singapore’s efforts to develop local talent, according to a report by Channel News Asia.

Singapore will launch new Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass for talent earning at least SGD 30,000 (₹17,09,660) in fixed monthly salary, comparable to the top 5% of existing Employment Pass holders, or with outstanding achievements in arts and culture, sports, and research and academia. This scheme starts on January 1, 2023.

Tan pointed out that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) was already conducting back-end checks to sieve out potential cases of false salary declarations.

This includes scrutinising applications from companies with a limited track record and asking for more documents to verify that the salary declared will be paid. This will be applied to all Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass applications.

For those seeking to convert from an existing employment pass, the Ministry will scrutinise their income tax filings with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore to ensure the taxes filed are consistent with their application.