In line with the government's policy at the start of 2020, employers of foreign employees will continue to face tighter MOM regulations in relation to the number of foreign employees they may employ if their workforce lacks a strong Singaporean core, they are not making a significant contribution to Singapore's economy or they are not seen as considering local candidates fairly. Nevertheless, Singapore is well placed in the region to conduct business. Besides offering ample financial opportunities, the city-state boasts a high standard of living in the essential areas of healthcare, education, accommodation, order and security.

To mobilize their workforce, employers must first familiarize themselves with the immigration laws relevant for global mobility assignments. In this regard, this Singapore chapter offers an introductory insight.

From 1 May 2021, Dependent's Pass holders who would like to work in Singapore will need to apply for a relevant work pass, such as an Employment Pass, S Pass or work permit, instead of a Letter of Consent.

Dependent's Pass holders who are business owners will be eligible to continue running their businesses on Letters of Consent, provided that their business creates local employment. They will need to meet the following criteria:

• The Dependent's Pass holder is a sole proprietor, partner or company director with at least a 30% shareholding in the business.
• The business hires at least one Singaporean/permanent resident (PR) who earns at least the prevailing local qualifying salary (currently SGD 1,400, will be increased to SGD 1,600 from 1 July 2024) and has been receiving Central Provident Fund contributions for at least three months.

Foreign employees coming to Singapore as overseas intra-corporate transferees under the World Trade Organization's General Agreement Trade in Services or an applicable free trade agreement are subject to the following conditions:

• Family members of overseas intra-corporate transferees are not eligible for Dependent's Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes, except where they are specifically covered by an applicable free trade agreement and meet the prevailing criteria for consideration.
• An overseas intra-corporate transferee is allowed to temporarily enter Singapore, for a period strictly limited to the provision under the applicable trade agreement. An overseas intra-corporate transferee is also generally not eligible for future employment in Singapore after the expiry/termination of their work pass, or for permanent residency.

Employers should therefore review and consider applying for a regular Employment Pass for their overseas intra-corporate transferee if it better meets their needs.

The tightening of the regulations for Letter of Consent applications and Employment Pass applications via the intra-corporate transferee route further reinforces the MOM's goal of eventually building a Singaporean core among employers.

The Tech@SG is a joint program run by the Singapore Economic Development Board and Enterprise Singapore that aims to help fast-growing tech companies hire critical talent to grow and scale their business.

If a company is less than 30% Singapore-owned and meets the prevailing eligibility criteria to qualify for the Tech@SG program, the Singapore Economic Development Board may provide company-level endorsement to the MOM, which will reduce the risk of rejections for the company's Employment Pass applications to the MOM. If a company is eligible, it can expect to receive the following:

• Up to 10 new Employment Passes over two years for foreign employees who will be hired as part of the company's core team in Singapore
• Coverage for the first renewal of each new Employment Pass obtained under the program

After 10 successful Employment Pass applications or two years of support, whichever occurs earlier, the Economic Development Board will notify the company receiving support.

If a company is at least 30% Singapore-owned, it should apply for the Tech@SG program under Enterprise Singapore.

The Economic Development Board has also introduced a new work pass, known as the Tech.Pass, for top-tier foreign professionals and experts looking to start businesses, lead corporate teams or teach in Singapore. The Tech.Pass is an expansion of the Tech@SG program to attract entrepreneurs and leaders to develop Singapore into a tech hub. The Economic Development Board will administer the Tech.Pass, with the MOM's support. The Tech.Pass will be valid for two years and, depending on certain criteria, can be renewed once for another two years.

This is part of Singapore's multipronged approach to develop a strong base of technology companies and talent to ensure Singapore remains globally competitive.