Navigating the New COMPASS Framework for Employment Pass Holders

Navigating Singapore’s New COMPASS Framework: A Guide for Employment Pass Holders and Employers

Singapore’s COMPASS framework, introduced in September 2023, adds a critical layer of assessment for Employment Pass (EP) applications and renewals, evaluating candidates on a points-based system that goes beyond salary requirements. This framework ensures that EP holders contribute significantly to Singapore’s economic and social fabric.

Understanding COMPASS Criteria

COMPASS evaluates EP applicants across several categories, each contributing to the total points needed for a successful application:

1. Individual Attributes:
   • Salary: Higher salaries earn more points, reflecting the candidate’s skills and experience.
   • Qualifications: Advanced educational qualifications and relevant professional certifications also contribute to a higher score.
2. Business or Organization Attributes:
   • Diversity: The framework encourages a diverse workforce by awarding points based on how well the candidate complements the existing team’s nationality diversity.
   • Support for Local Employment: Employers demonstrating a commitment to hiring and developing local talent will earn additional points. This reflects the company’s role in contributing to Singapore’s labor market.
3. Job Role Significance:
   • Strategic Economic Priorities: Points are awarded for roles that align with Singapore’s economic priorities, such as positions in technology, finance, and other critical sectors.
   • Industry Benchmarking: The role is compared against industry benchmarks to ensure it aligns with similar roles in terms of impact and importance.
4. Innovation and Enterprise:
   • Skills and Technological Contributions: Companies fostering innovation or requiring specialized skills that contribute to Singapore’s economic competitiveness receive additional points.
5. Skills Bonus:
   • Shortage Occupation List: If the candidate’s role is on the Shortage Occupation List, which includes jobs with a critical skills shortage in Singapore, bonus points are awarded.
6. Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus:
   • SEP Bonus: Companies engaged in significant investments, R&D, or other activities crucial to Singapore’s economic landscape can earn additional points for their EP applicants.

How COMPASS Affects Employers

For business owners, COMPASS requires a more strategic approach to talent acquisition. Employers must not only ensure that their candidates meet the salary and qualification thresholds but also consider how each hire fits into the broader organizational and national landscape. This includes fostering a diverse workforce, aligning job roles with strategic economic sectors, and supporting local talent development.

Account-Ink’s Role in Navigating COMPASS

Account-Ink provides specialized support to businesses and EP applicants, helping them understand and meet the COMPASS criteria. Their services include:

• Strategic Advisory: Tailoring hiring practices to meet COMPASS requirements, ensuring that candidates and roles align with Singapore’s economic priorities.
• Documentation Support: Meticulously preparing and submitting the necessary documentation, reducing the risk of errors that could delay or jeopardize applications.
• Ongoing Compliance: For EP renewals, Account-Ink ensures continuous compliance with evolving requirements and assists in making necessary adjustments to stay competitive under the COMPASS framework.

Preparing for Upcoming Changes

• 1 September 2023: COMPASS became mandatory for new EP applications.
• 1 September 2024: COMPASS will apply to all EP renewals.
• 1 January 2025: An updated qualifying salary for EP applications and renewals will take effect.

Given these timelines, businesses must act swiftly to align their hiring strategies with COMPASS. Account-Ink’s expertise can make this transition smoother, helping companies stay compliant and competitive.

Conclusion

The COMPASS framework represents a significant shift in how Singapore manages its foreign workforce. By evaluating EP candidates on a comprehensive set of criteria, the framework ensures that those granted passes contribute meaningfully to the nation’s goals. For both EP holders and business owners, understanding and adapting to COMPASS is crucial. With the support of Account-Ink, navigating this new landscape becomes more manageable, ensuring that your EP applications and renewals are successful.

For more detailed information, visit the Ministry of Manpower’s website