Authorities in Singapore announced Wednesday that beginning in May Dependant’s Pass holders will have to obtain a work pass rather than a letter of consent (LOC) in order to work in Singapore.

Key Points:

  • Effective May 1, Dependant’s Pass holders will need to apply for an Employment Pass, S Pass, work permit or other work pass in order to work in Singapore.
  • Companies will have to satisfy applicable salary and quota requirements in order to employ Dependant’s Pass holders. Officials have not yet said whether job posting requirements will have to be satisfied in order to obtain and Employment Pass or S Pass, but at this state, the Ministry of Manpower has indicated that it will aim to facilitate the transition to work passes for eligible applicants.
  • Dependant’s Pass holders with an LOC issued before May 1, 2021, will be permitted to continue working on their LOC until it expires. After that, they must apply for a work pass.
  • The changes will not affect residence rights for Dependant’s Pass holders.
  • Exemptions to the new rule may be available to Dependant’s Pass holders who own their own business, provided the business creates local employment and meets other relevant requirements.

Analysis & Comments: Officials are implementing the change to make the work authorization process for Dependant’s Pass holders consistent with the work pass framework for other foreign workers. Additional announcements on the change are expected in the coming weeks, and Deloitte will provide more information as it becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? In the 2021 Singapore budget presented on Feb. 16, the government announced that it intends to reduce the hiring quota of foreign workers that qualify for an S Pass in the manufacturing sector in a two-step process in 2022 and 2023.

What does the change mean? Under the current policy, the number of S Pass holders that a company in the manufacturing sector may hire is restricted to 20% of the company’s total workforce. As from Jan. 1, 2022, this cap would be reduced to 18%, with a further reduction to 15% as from Jan. 1, 2023.

  • Implementation time frame: The plan calls for a two-phase implementation on Jan. 1, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2023.
  • Visa/permit holders affected: S Pass holders and Employment Pass (EP) holders who may potentially be downgraded depending on their EP eligibility.
  • Business impact: Companies in the manufacturing sector should plan for the proposed changes, including potentially reducing their reliance on foreign workers and upskilling their Singaporean workforce.

Background: The allowable percentage of foreign workers to Singaporean workers is referred to as the Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC), and S Passes are a subcategory of the overall DRC. The government’s aspiration is to balance the local and foreign manpower in various industry sectors by upskilling the local workforce and moderating the reliance on foreign labor. One of the consequences of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Singapore’s economy is that the inflow of foreign workers needs to be carefully regulated to ensure that fair job opportunities continue to be created for Singaporeans.

Analysis & Comments: Following the announcement in the 2020 budget that the DRC in the manufacturing industry would be reviewed, this year’s announcement did not come as a surprise. Manufacturing continues to be a significant industry in Singapore and to sustain Singapore’s position as a global advanced manufacturing hub, companies must prioritize building a skilled local core of employees within their firms to reduce reliance on foreign workers. The S Pass category will be reviewed periodically and businesses should prepare for the possibility of it being abolished in the future.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Singapore has announced new travel and immigration changes related to COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • The launching of the Connect@Singapore travel lane has been postponed. The travel lane had been expected to open in January, but has been pushed back to Feb. 21.
  • Work Pass holders intending to enter Singapore are required to submit an application for Ministry of Manpower entry approval up to 60 days before their planned date of entry into Singapore. The entry approval calendar can be used to calculate the earliest and latest date by which they should apply for entry. More information on the latest requirements, including those relating to insurance coverage, visa applications, pre-departure COVID-19 PCR tests, and other health control measures, can be found here.
  • Under a change that took effect Feb. 5, newly arrived Work Permit and S Pass workers from the Construction, Marine and Process (CMP) sectors who have recent travel history to higher-risk countries or regions must stay at a designated facility to go through an additional seven-day testing regime, after completing their 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN). The new requirement applies to workers who have yet to complete their 14-day SHN on Feb. 5. It also applies to all new arrivals to Singapore from this date. For more information, please click here to view the list of frequently asked questions.

Analysis & Comments: The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Singapore suspended reciprocal green lane (RGL) arrangements with Germany, Malaysia and South Korea for three months beginning Feb. 1.

Key Points:

  • Singapore still has active RGL schemes with Brunei and selected cities in mainland China (Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Tianjin and Zhejiang).
  • Singapore’s government will review the Reciprocal Green Lane arrangements after the suspension is over.
  • Travelers who have already been approved to enter Singapore under these Reciprocal Green Lanes can continue to do so. Travelers can find updates on border measures at the SafeTravel website.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Singaporean government recently announced changes to entry and travel measures.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Jan. 24, all travelers entering Singapore, including Singaporean citizens and permanent residents, will be required to take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival. All travelers must register and pre-pay for their arrival COVID-19 test before departing for Singapore on this website.
  • Current Stay-Home Notice requirements, including taking a COVID-19 PCR test at the end of the isolation period, will remain in place.
  • Under a change that took effect Jan. 18, Singaporean citizens and permanent residents returning from the United Kingdom or South Africa will be required to isolate for an additional seven days after completing their initial 14-day SHN at a SHN facility. These travelers must be tested for COVID-19 after the initial 14-day period and again following the additional seven days of isolation.

Additional Information: Those who are traveling to Singapore or considering it can find updates about travel and border measures on the SafeTravel website.

Analysis & Comments: The new entry and travel measures will add to the time it takes for affected travelers to enter Singapore. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Singapore’s government has announced a new initiative, Connect@Singapore, which will create a new, segregated travel lane for business travelers from all countries.

Key Points:

  • Connect@Singapore will allow a select number of travelers from all countries to enter Singapore for short-term visits up to 14 days. Only business, official and high economic value travelers will be allowed to use the segregated travel lane.
  • These travelers will be allowed to begin arriving in Singapore in the second half of January 2021. The government will open applications for the segregated travel lane in the middle of January 2021.
  • Connect@Singapore travelers must obtain a valid negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test before departing their home country. They must also undergo another PCR test when they arrive in Singapore.
  • After arriving in Singapore, Connect@Singapore travelers will be required to reside in dedicated facilities the whole time they are in the country. They must also be tested for COVID-19 regularly, including Antigen Rapid Tests and follow Safe Management Measures.
  • Connect@Singapore travelers will be required to remain within appointed facilities in Singapore, where they will be allowed to meet with local visitors. Safe management measures will need to be in place to separate the travelers from other individuals.

Additional Information: More information about Connect@Singapore is available here.

Analysis & Comments: The new, segregated travel lane will soon allow a limited number of travelers to enter Singapore for business purposes. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Hong Kong-Singapore air travel bubble will be deferred until 2021 because of recent COVID-19 developments in Hong Kong.

Key Points:

  • Officials in Hong Kong and Singapore will review the arrangement in late December.
  • More information on the air travel bubble arrangement can be found here.

Background: Hong Kong and Singapore initially planned on launching the air travel bubble last month, but subsequently announced they would postpone implementation for at least two weeks. Implementation has now been pushed back again.

Analysis & Comments: The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Singaporean government has added new features to the national job portal, MyCareersFuture, aiming to ensure that local workers are not discriminated against in the hiring process. The new features are:

  • A reminder to employers that they must adhere to the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices (TGFEP) when placing job advertisements. The guidelines are designed to promote non-discrimination in hiring and fair labor practices. Employers who violate the TGFEP may be barred from recruiting new foreign workers for up to 24 months; renewal of work passes may also be impacted.
  • Additional guidance for employers about how to craft neutral job advertisements. All job postings will be reviewed, and employers will be notified of any potentially discriminatory terms or mentions. Employers will be expected to change any discriminatory job advertisements.
  • An easier process for reporting possible discrimination in hiring. A new “Report Discriminatory Job Ads” feature will allow applicants to report ads they believe are discriminatory. These reports will be investigated for possible breaches of the TGFEP.

Analysis & Comments: The new features are another sign of how serious Singapore is about rooting out discrimination against local workers in the hiring process. The Ministry of Manpower recently reported that it has suspended work pass privileges for 90 employers since January, citing violations of the Fair Consideration Framework. Half of these suspensions were because of discriminatory job advertisements. Employers are encouraged to take note of this trend and ensure they are adopting the appropriate fair hiring practices.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

Singapore and Hong Kong have postponed the implementation of an “air travel bubble” that will allow for quarantine-free travel between the two locations.

Key Points:

  • The travel bubble was set to be launched Sunday, but has been pushed back at least two weeks.
  • A new date for the first air bubble flights will be announced in early December.

Analysis & Comments: Travelers who wish to travel between Singapore and Hong Kong should take note of the delayed implementation and adjust their plans accordingly. Deloitte will provide updates on the travel bubble’s implementation as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in Singapore, Hong Kong and other countries and locations.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

Singapore is poised to launch a new work pass program aimed at drawing leading tech investors, experts and entrepreneurs to the country.

Key Points:

  • The program, called Tech.Pass, will be launched in January and will provide for the issuance of up to 500 two-year work passes to leading foreign tech professionals.
  • Tech.Pass holders will be able to perform a number of activities, including:
    • Starting or operating businesses;
    • Working at one more Singapore-based companies;
    • Serving on boards of directors for Singapore-based companies;
    • Serving as a shareholder or investor in Singapore-based companies;
    • Advising or mentoring start-up companies in Singapore; and
    • Lecturing at Singaporean universities.
  • Applicants must meet two of the three following conditions to be eligible:
    • A fixed monthly salary of at least SGD20,000 in the past year;
    • A minimum of five cumulative years of experience as a leader in a tech company with a valuation or market cap of at least USD$500 million or at least USD$30 million in funding; and
    • A minimum of least five cumulative years of experience in a leading role in the development of a tech product that has a minimum of 100,000 monthly active users or at least USD$100 million in revenue.
  • Tech.Pass applicants will apply as individuals and do not have to be sponsored by a company. Passes will be renewable once for a second two-year period. Pass holders will be able to sponsor spouses, children and parents on Dependent Passes or Long Term Visit Passes.
  • Assignees who currently hold Employment Passes, Personalised Employment Passes or EntrePasses will be eligible to apply for Tech.Passes, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria for their current pass. Tech.Passes may be of interest to some pass holders, especially those interested in holding jobs with multiple companies, starting their own company or lecturing at universities. Those who do not require the flexibility of a Tech.Pass, however, will likely have no need to apply.

Background: Tech.Pass is an expansion of the Tech@SG pilot program that officials launched last year. Additional information on the new program is available here.

Analysis & Comments: Tech.Pass is part of Singapore’s ongoing efforts to solidify itself as a leader in the global tech economy. While the program will be of interest to tech investors, experts and entrepreneurs, it may be of limited value to established companies. These companies will likely find traditional work pass options more suitable for most of their workforce. Additional information about the application process is expected in the coming weeks, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.