Immigration update: Singapore | Overseas & Network Expertise (ONE) Pass
The Ministry of Manpower released the ONE Pass application details on 1 Jan 2023.
Who will be affected?
The following updates will affect Singapore employers and eligible foreign applicants applying for ONE Pass.
Background
Singapore announced in Sep 2022 the launch of the Overseas & Network Expertise (ONE) Pass, where details of the pass application will only be released on 1 Jan 2023. For ease of reference, we have listed below the eligibility and benefits of the ONE Pass.
Eligibility criterion:
- Applicable to top talent across all sectors.
- Applicants must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD30,000 in the last year or under their future employer in Singapore; OR
- Attained outstanding achievements in arts and culture, sports, science and technology, research, and academia.
- First-time Work Pass applicants are also required to demonstrate that they have worked/will be working for an established firm with a market capitalisation of at least USD500 million OR showing an annual revenue of at least USD200 million.
Benefits:
- Considered as a personalised pass with a 5-year validity, and is renewable.
- Allows employment flexibility where the holder may concurrently start, operate, and work for multiple companies in Singapore at any one time.
- Spouses under Dependant’s Pass (DP) will also be able to work via a Letter of Consent (LOC) application with MOM.
- Applications will not be subjected to the FCF job advertisement requirements and the new Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).
Impact
Eligible applicants may refer to the following list of documents required for the ONE Pass application:
| S/N | Documents Required |
| 1. | Copy of applicant travel document biodata page
Including any amendments to the applicant’s particulars. If the applicant’s name differs from the supporting documents furnished to support the application, a name affidavit will be required to support any inconsistencies. |
| 2. | Existing work pass holders who earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 for the last year while working in Singapore will be required to submit the following:
|
| 3. | Applicants who earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 working overseas in the past year will be required to submit the following:
If the applicant is not able to provide the supporting document, they may provide the company’s latest audited Profit & Loss (P & L) statements. |
| 4. | Applicants who will be earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 with a prospective employer in Singapore will be required to submit the following:
If the applicant is not able to provide the supporting document, they may provide the company’s latest audited Profit & Loss (P & L) statements. |
| 5. | For applicants with outstanding achievements in the arts and culture, sports, as well as academia and research without meeting the salary criterion will be required to submit the following:
|
Applications can only be submitted by:
- Appointed Employment Agencies (EA)
- Applicant
- Employer on behalf of the applicant
Processing time:
The MOM’s standard processing time for ONE Pass application is four weeks. An application under the “Outstanding achievements” may take longer if the relevant agencies require further assessment.
Vaccination requirements:
Applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with World Health Organization (WHO) to get their passes issued.
Note:
After the ONE Pass application is approved, please note that the MOM will continue to engage the pass holders every year during their time in Singapore, requesting the following documents and information, which will contribute to the MOM’s assessment of pass renewal eligibility:
- Details on the ONE Pass holder’s professional activities over the past year
- The annual salary of the ONE Pass holder, earned from all professional activities
The MOM will release details on the yearly update in the third quarter of 2023.
Passes for families – Dependent Pass & Long Term Visit Pass
The respective passes can be applied accordingly for pass holders to bring in their family to Singapore:
| Dependent Pass |
|
| Long-Term Visit Pass |
|
* Spouse under a valid Dependent Pass (DP) will be able to work on a Letter of Consent (LOC)
Implementation date
1st Jan 2023
Santa Fe analysis
The flexibility of ONE Pass allows the applicant to work for multiple companies and at the same time operate a business, enabling companies to be more responsive to business needs. This flexibility aims to attract more highly skilled foreign nationals to live and work in Singapore.
The launch of the ONE Pass is a testament to Singapore’s dedication to remaining open and connected to the world through building a deep local talent pool and welcoming global talents.
For more information or assistance, please contact:
Leesa Abdullah
Immigration Manager – Singapore
Santa Fe Relocation
Singapore
D: +65 6398 8523
E: leesa.abdullah@santaferelo.com
Robert Day
Group Head of Immigration Operations
Santa Fe Relocation
Singapore
D: +44 7990 021125
E: robert.day@santaferelo.com
