From 1 September 2023, the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has implemented a points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) for new Employment Pass (EP) applications. This transparent system aims to enhance workforce diversity and facilitate employers in selecting high-quality foreign professionals while building a strong local workforce. COMPASS will apply to new applications starting from 1 September 2023 and renewal applications from 1 September 2024.
Why Singapore Compass Framework Matters
COMPASS marks a watershed for Singapore workforce fair consideration policies, as it enables employers to access talent from around the world while duly considering suitability and complementarity in respect of locally available talent. Under COMPASS, how employers plan and manage their local workforce as well as the diversity in their foreign hires will have direct impacts for securing new global talent and their retention. Alongside COMPASS, Singapore actively competes on the global stage to attract high-earners and highly-talented individuals through its Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) programme, which it launched in January 2023.
In promoting personal work passes such as the ONE Pass, Personalised Employment Pass, and Tech Pass (which are obtained by the pass holder under his/her own sponsorship), there is a premium being placed on the employability of high-achieving foreign professionals and on incentivising them to choose Singapore. This translates potentially to more choices for companies to access global talent, especially those who qualify for the most senior positions as well as key strategic roles. This is expected to also allow the local workforce to benefit from the transfer of knowledge from these top talented employees.
Compass Framework Eligibility
Under COMPASS, in addition to meeting salary requirements, EP applications will need to score at least 40 points on four foundational criteria with bonus criteria, for skills in shortage and strategic economic priorities programmes, to assure complementarity with Singaporean employees.
Compass Verification Proof Requirements
As part of the COMPASS rollout, the MOM will make it mandatory for EP candidates to obtain verification/proof for educational qualifications declared in EP applications.
Applicants (or corporate service providers applying for EP on behalf of their clients) will need to submit verification proof in their EP application to earn points for this criterion.
Employers need to verify that candidates have genuine qualifications from accredited institutions. Authenticity checks ensure the candidate received or was awarded the qualification. Accreditation checks ensure the qualification is recognized by local government authorities.
MOM only accepts verification resources listed on this page.
Who is exempt from Compass?
Candidates are exempt from COMPASS if they fulfil any of the following conditions:
- The candidate earns a minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 22,500;
- The candidate is applying as an overseas intercorporate transferee under the World Trade Organisation’s General Agreement on Trade in Services or an applicable Free Trade Agreement that Singapore is party to; or
- The candidate is applying for a short-term EP (not exceeding one month).
How does Compass impact Employers?
Strategically, employers can start considering the following aspects:
- Shortage Occupations List: Determine the extent that your firm’s hiring needs are going to be met from the Shortage Occupation List. If the answer is “yes,” that is 20 points or halfway to the COMPASS requirement.
- Salary Benchmarking: Perform salary benchmarking to know where your organisation stands in terms of salary competitiveness; if you tend to offer higher pay in the market, you will likely net another 10-20 points. The additional benefit of higher pay tends to be the higher probability of attracting candidates from top tier educational institutions. Based on this assumption, that is another 10-20 points.
- Diversity: Begin by looking for candidates from different countries who all bring different perspectives to the table. This diverse workforce with employees from various nationalities may earn another 10—20 points.
- Strong Singaporean Core: Aim to hire more Singaporeans as professionals/managers. Anticipating the practical challenges in this regard e.g. the local workforce may not have the requisite skill set, your organisation may invest more in training and take a longer-term view on the career progression within your organisation. If a significant proportion of your professionals/managers are Singaporeans, this will net you another 10-20 points.
- Strategic Economic Priorities (SEP). Participation in one of the listed eligible programmes by economic agencies or the National Trade Union Congress and demonstrate a commitment to developing the local workforce. This secures 10 points for the duration of the programme or 3 years, whichever is shorter.
How do I find out how my firm will fare on Compass firm-related criteria?
You may use the Workforce Insights tool in my MOM Portal to find out your firm’s score on the firm-related COMPASS criteria, and gain insights on how / what you could improve. The Self-Assessment Tool will be enhanced by Sep 2023 to include indicative COMPASS score.
Reference Materials
For more information, the following materials are available on the MOM website www.mom.gov.sg:
- MOM webpage: Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS)
- MOM webpage: COMPASS Skills Bonus - Shortage Occupation List (SOL)
- MOM webpage: COMPASS Strategic Economic Priorities (SEP) Bonus
Whether you are a foreign talent hoping to work in Singapore or an employer currently hiring for your organisation and need support for pass applications, Contact us today to discuss how we can customise our services to align with your goals.
