Singapore Work Permit 2025: Key Changes for Jobs and Employers
Singapore has introduced major reforms to its work permit system to prioritize local employment while continuing to attract skilled foreign talent, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced.
Under the new rules, the work permit application process has moved entirely online, streamlining approvals and reducing paperwork for employers and foreign applicants. Minimum salary thresholds have been raised across key sectors, including manufacturing, marine, and construction, to encourage hiring of highly skilled professionals.
Eligibility criteria for foreign workers have also become stricter. Applicants must meet higher standards for qualifications, skills, and age, while employers are required to demonstrate efforts in hiring and training Singaporean workers. Sector-specific quotas have been introduced to maintain a balanced workforce and ensure sustainable economic growth.
Experts say employers must adjust their hiring practices to comply with the updated rules, while foreign job seekers should ensure they meet the new eligibility standards and prepare the necessary documentation.
The reforms aim to strengthen Singapore’s local workforce, maintain its competitive labor market, and support the country’s position as a global business hub.