56 companies added to Human Capital Partners program

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Ministry of Manpower has added 56 companies to its Human Capital Partners program, which now includes 130 companies.

What does the change mean? The HCPartners program allows companies that are selected into the program based on their positive human resources practices to benefit from enhanced immigration services.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
• Who is affected: Companies interested in participating in the HCPartners program.
• Impact on processing times: Participating companies benefit from streamlined immigration services, including approvals in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
• Business impact: Companies demonstrating productive, inclusive and innovative HR practices are being considered for participation in the program.
• Next steps: Companies can apply by completing the HCP profile form on this website.

Background: The HCP program launched in February and 74 companies were initially selected. Minister of Manpower Lim Swee Say announced that 56 companies have been added to the program, noting that some of the HR practices for which they were chosen include: a five-day work week, retraining of employees whose jobs were affected by technological change, and hiring of mid-career employees including those laid off by other industries.

Lim also announced a new Capability Transfer Programme that is currently being piloted to support the training of local and foreign workers in skills that are expected to be in high demand but that are currently in short supply.

BAL Analysis: Singaporean companies should exercise good HR policies and carefully consider which foreign workers they bring to Singapore and for which jobs levels. Employers are reminded that each time they file an application for an employment pass, they must answer questions regarding whether consideration was given to interviewing and selecting local candidates. Good HR practices and recordkeeping, including considering all candidates fairly under the same assessment criteria, are key to proving that an employer has fulfilled its obligations under the Fair Consideration Framework should the ministry question them.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in Singapore. For additional information, please contact singapore@bal.com.

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