MOM sets new salary limits for foreign workers

The Ministry of Manpower announced that it will raise the minimum salary eligibility requirements for work pass holders sponsoring dependents. The changes will take place from 1 September and are intended to ensure employees are able to support their spouse, children and/or parents living in Singapore.

Employers will need to be aware that the following minimum fixed monthly salary limits for work pass holders will apply after 1 September:

• $5,000 to sponsor a spouse/children on the Dependant’s Pass (DP)
• $10,000 to sponsor parents on the Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP)

These new limits concern applications submitted after 1 September. Firms employing foreign workers who send DP or LTVP applications prior to this date will still be assessed on the current criteria. Passes issued before 1 September will also be renewed following the present conditions provided that the main pass holder still works with the same employer.

According to immigration law specialists, Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL), this will have a high impact on certain local firms. “The increased salary requirement will make it more challenging for companies who plan to employ foreign workers with dependents”, the firm said in a recent analysis. To assist with the transition, BAL recommends employers update their corporate policies on DP and LTVP applications to reflect this new change.

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