The Ministry of Manpower of Singapore issued the latest statement on August 29 that it will soon launch a new long-term work visa, the Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass to talents with outstanding achievements in the arts and culture, sports, science and technology, and academia and research.
Singapore’s Manpower Minister Tan See Leng said on August 29 that the move is to ensure that Singapore has an edge in the competition for the world’s top talent. “Businesses and talent alike are looking for safe and stable places to invest, live and work. Singapore is one such place, so now is the time to capitalize on this opportunity to cement Singapore’s position as a global talent hub.”
The ONE pass will be rolled out from January 1, 2023.
Applicant Eligibility Requirements
- Earn a monthly salary of SGD30,000 and above within the last 1 year or will earn a monthly salary of at least SGD30,000 under their future employer based in Singapore, , comparable to the top 5 per cent of EP holders.
- Overseas candidates also need to demonstrate that they have been working for an established company for at least 1 year or will be working for an established company in Singapore.
*Established company is defined as having a market capitalization of at least USD500 million or annual revenue of at least USD200 million.
- Individuals with outstanding achievements in the arts and culture, sports, science and technology, and academia and research can qualify for Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, even if they do not meet the salary criterion. More details on the eligibility criteria for new applications and renewals under this route will be released closer to 1 January 2023.
Unlike the Tech. Pass introduced in January 2021 last year, the ONE Pass is applicable to all industries. As the name suggests, Tech.pass is only for tech entrepreneurs, leaders or experts. The S$30,000 salary standard is also not required if the applicant has “distinguished achievement” in the arts, sports, science and/or academic fields. When asked what would be considered an “outstanding achievement”, Tan See Leng said that the salary benchmark is an indicator, but job appraisals target the top 5% of global talent, or even the top 2% to 3%.
More than 700 financial professionals moved from Hong Kong to Singapore last year, according to recruitment firm Robert Walters. Singapore wants to attract high-end global top talent, especially in the next-generation tech heavy industry. “This is an era where talent determines a country’s success,” Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said at the National Day Rally on Aug. 21.
For more information about the ONE work pass, please visit the following website: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/overseas-networks-expertise-pass
