Singapore's New Employment Pass System
I still get nostalgic for my expat days, when Sunday brunches seemed to stretch on forever and being a foreigner was enough to turn heads. And let's be honest, it was nice to have some distance from the constant din of politics back home (a few drinks didn't hurt either).
But I'm not the only one with wanderlust. Many people come to me seeking advice on how to make the move abroad. For some, Singapore is the holy grail. And I get it – it's one of my favorite countries too. The diversity is stunning, and the food? Unbeatable. You can find some of the best Chinese and Indian cuisine outside of their home countries.
But a recent Bloomberg article caught my attention, and it's not exactly music to the ears of would-be expats. Singapore is making it tougher for global talent to stay, introducing a new points-based system for renewing employment passes. Starting September 2024, overseas employees will need to meet a minimum salary threshold and earn points based on their salary, education, skills, and whether their nationality adds diversity to the firm. It's now up to employers to justify hiring foreigners.
This new system might sound familiar – other countries have similar policies – but it risks driving foreign companies away and tarnishing Singapore's reputation as a global business hub. The irony isn't lost on me: a nation that prides itself on being open and free is now restricting jobs for foreigners.
It's employment pass renewal season in Singapore, and the buzz is all about the points-based system. While it's not a complete shutdown, it's definitely making life harder for global talent. My advice? Stay informed, research, and know what you're getting into before making the move. Don't give up on your Singapore expat dreams just yet – but be prepared for a few more hurdles along the way.