Singapore approved 4200 One Pass applications

Nearly 4,200 applications were approved in the first year under Singapore’s One Pass program for top foreign talent.

The program was launched in January last year and aims to attract foreign talent with outstanding abilities. This type of visa allows applicants to work for several companies at the same time or start their own business while working for another company.

Although the program is highly selective, it gives pass holders a wide range of opportunities. Pass holders can sponsor their dependents and invite their spouses to work in Singapore after submitting a Letter of Consent. They are exempted from the Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirements and the Complementarity Assessment Framework for Employment Pass holders.

While applicants must demonstrate high income with a fixed monthly salary of S$30,000 either within the past year or with a prospective employer in Singapore, they may qualify even if they do not meet the salary criteria. In such instances, they must provide evidence of exceptional accomplishments in areas like science and technology, research, arts and culture or sports.

On Monday (4 March), Manpower Minister Tan See Leng provided an update on the One Pass scheme and noted that in an era of talent shortages, businesses follow talent.

He believes that although the number of pass holders is limited, they create opportunities and good jobs in their fields.

The program has attracted “good interest” since its launch in 2023, Tan said.

As of January 1 of the current year, a notable portion of One Pass holders have transitioned from other pre-existing passes, as opposed to being new applicants. However, it is anticipated that this ratio will change as time progresses.