Corporate Immigration — Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) requirements recent updates
Santa Fe publication date
12 November 2024
Overview
Effective 1 January 2025, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will implement updated criteria for the COMPASS framework, impacting both new Employment Pass (EP) applications from 1 January 2025 and renewals of EPs expiring from 1 January 2026.
Who will be affected?
This update applies to all applicants for Employment Passes (EP) in Singapore, including both new applications and renewals that fall under the updated COMPASS criteria.
Background
As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure that the COMPASS framework remains aligned with market conditions, MOM has committed to annual updates. These updates are aimed at fine-tuning the criteria for employment pass holders and improving the overall framework to address current market needs.
The recent updates to the COMPASS criteria include changes to several key areas, as follows:
Updated COMPASS Criteria C1 Salary – New salary benchmarks have been introduced by sector, aligning with current economic conditions. C2 Qualifications – The list of institutions eligible for 20 points and professional qualifications eligible for 10 points has been revised.
C5 Shortage Occupation List (SOL) – The SOL has been expanded to include new occupations, particularly focusing on addressing the skills shortages in the Semiconductor industry. Please refer to the updated SOL Employer Guide for further details.
Impact
These updates to the COMPASS framework will have the following impact:
- Salary Benchmark Adjustments: Employers may need to adjust their salary offerings to meet the new sector-specific benchmarks, which could affect the eligibility of certain candidates for Employment Passes.
- Qualifications Changes: Applicants will potentially be impacted by the points awarded in the qualifications category.
- Shortage Occupation List Expansion: The addition of new occupations to the Shortage Occupation List will create more opportunities for candidates in specific industries, such as the Semiconductor sector.
Date of implementation
Effective 1 January 2025
- New salary benchmark applicable EP applications (For EP renewal – Applicable to EP expiring from 1 January 2026)
- Updated list of institutions eligible for 20 points (Applicable to New EP and EP Renewal)
- Updated professional qualification eligible for 10 points (Applicable to New EP and EP Renewal)
- Updated Shortage Occupation List (SOL)
Santa Fe recommendation
To ensure compliance with the updated COMPASS criteria, we recommend that employers use the updated Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) before submitting new or renewal EP applications from 1 January 2025 onward. It is crucial to stay informed of the revised salary benchmarks, qualifications lists, and the updated Shortage Occupation List to optimize the chances of a successful application.
Santa Fe’s team will continue to monitor these changes and share further updates as necessary.
Contact us
Please get in touch with us for further information or clarification:
Leesa Abdullah
Immigration Manager — Singapore
Santa Fe Relocation
leesa.abdullah@santaferelo.com
Paolo Longo
Regional Immigration Director
Santa Fe Relocation
paolo.longo@santaferelo.com
About our Immigration Services
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