COMPASS: Enhanced Framework for Singapore Employment Pass Applications

Ministry of Manpower (MoM) Singapore has introduced an enhancement to the assessment process for Employment Pass applications, effective from 1 September 2023. This enhancement takes the form of a new point-based system known as the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). 

Singapore government through the Ministry of Manpower keeps improving immigration policy for foreign workers to work in Singaporean companies. Especially for foreign professionals, managers, and executives (PMEs), in the hope that foreign PMEs can effectively fill the existing workforce gap. 

To work in Singapore, foreign PMEs primarily need an Employment Pass (EP), a work visa issued by MoM Singapore. To get an EP, a person must secure a position or have a job offer as a specialist, manager, or executive from a Singapore-based company and meet the qualifying salary requirements. However, this is only the first stage to determine the candidate’s eligibility. 

Since 1 September 2023, EP candidates need to pass a 2-stage eligibility framework, and the second stage is the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). 

According to the official website of the Ministry of Manpower Singapore, COMPASS was made transparent, in consideration to help businesses have greater clarity and certainty for manpower planning. With COMPASS, employers should be able to hire high-quality foreign professionals and improve workforce diversity, while still building a strong local core. 

What is COMPASS and How It Works

COMPASS is a point-based framework evaluating EP applications on four foundational criteria and two bonus criteria. Two foundational criteria are individual attributes, assessing Salary and Qualifications, and the other two foundational criteria are the firm-related attributes; assessing Diversity and Support for Local Employment. For the bonus criteria, the individual attribute is Skills Bonus, and the firm-related attribute is Strategic Economic Priorities. 

Each criterion has a maximum earning potential of 20 points, except for the Strategic Economic Priorities, which has a maximum of 10 points. A minimum of 40 points is required to pass COMPASS. Comprehensive details on the criteria and point system are available on MoM Singapore’s website.

Enhanced SAT Tools to Measure Potential COMPASS Score

With COMPASS now integral to EP applications, the MoM Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) has also been updated accordingly. The enhanced SAT now serves as a pre-assessment that provides an indicative outcome, including the COMPASS score. Although MoM’s SAT cannot guarantee approval, it is still suitable to be used as general guidelines. 

It is crucial to note that prospective employees cannot utilize the enhanced SAT or independently apply for an EP. Only employers or appointed employment agents with an EP eService account (previously EP Online) can access the enhanced SAT or apply for EP on behalf of the employees. This is necessary to ensure the protection of firm-related data used to calculate firm-level scores in COMPASS. 

Additional Information

Navigating the COMPASS framework requires attention to certain key considerations. First, EP applicants may qualify for exemptions from COMPASS if they meet specific conditions detailed on the COMPASS Exemptions Info page. 

Second, it is important to note that COMPASS will only apply to EP renewals expiring from 1 September 2024, providing companies with ample time for planning and preparation. This aligns with the intention to implement fair employment practices and create a balanced workforce, following Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) guidelines. 

Finally, whether you are an employer or a prospective employee, understanding the EP framework, including COMPASS is crucial. Accessing informative resources on MoM’s official website, such as the COMPASS guidebook and Workforce Insights Tool will provide valuable insights to smoothen the process of EP application.