The Benefits and Risks of Singapore’s ONE Pass

Singapore’s newest work visa offers transferees flexibility but includes risks for employers.

In a move aimed at attracting a greater number of global workers, Singapore has recently introduced a new work visa. On 1 January 2023, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) initiated the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) pass to facilitate the recruitment of expatriates. 

This initiative is a direct response to the challenges posed by a constrained labor market. Singapore has introduced the ONE Pass visa to attract international talent, allowing both the visa holder and their partners to work for five years. 

This initiative aims to enhance Singapore’s appeal to global talent amid competition from other countries with similar visas, like the UK and Germany. These countries have also introduced new work and talent visas to attract skilled migrants, providing streamlined access and opportunities for employment.

Singapore has set its sights on bolstering innovation and enhancing productivity as crucial elements in its strategy to achieve ambitious goals. By 2030, the country aims to increase manufacturing value-add by 50% and elevate annual exports to an impressive S$1 trillion ($712 billion).

The ONE Pass stands out from other work visas not only in Singapore but also around the world. Here is how it stands apart from the competition. 

Characteristics of Singapore’s ONE Pass

The ONE Pass provides foreign individuals with a five-year work visa in Singapore, which can be renewed for an additional five years. The ONE Pass and the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) offer employment flexibility as they are personalized to the individual, eliminating the need for employers to apply for a new pass when changing jobs. Additionally, ONE Pass holders have the unique ability to work for multiple companies concurrently in Singapore.

Eligibility for the ONE Pass Singapore is open to individuals of any nationality. Both current work visa/pass holders and overseas candidates can apply, provided they meet the qualification requirements. There are two distinct pathways available for applying for the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass:

1. ONE Pass route based on a salary criterion
2. ONE Pass route based on outstanding achievements

To be eligible for the ONE Pass route based on salary, the applicant must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Have earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000, or its equivalent in foreign currency, within the past one year; or
2. Will be earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 with their prospective employer based in Singapore.

Additionally, the applicant needs to demonstrate that they have been employed by an established company overseas for a minimum of one year or will be employed by an established company in Singapore. It is important to note that existing Singapore work pass holders are required to show that they have worked for any company in Singapore for at least one year or will be working for a Singapore-established company.

Another pathway to apply for the ONE Pass in Singapore is through the recognition of the applicant’s past outstanding achievements. Candidates who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in their areas of expertise are eligible to apply for the ONE Pass, even if they do not meet the salary criterion.

To be considered under the outstanding achievement track for academia and research, applicants are required to submit the following documents:

1. A comprehensive resume that includes details of their academic qualifications, professional experiences, and notable accomplishments.
2. A letter of endorsement from a local host research institution, such as the Autonomous Universities or A*STAR. This endorsement is necessary to support their application and highlight their outstanding achievements in the field of academia and research.

To prevent any potential misuse of the ONE Pass, the Ministry will implement stringent measures to safeguard the process. All applications will be thoroughly reviewed and vetted by the ministry before approval. Additionally, the ministry will maintain regular engagement with pass holders to monitor their professional activities and assess their annual income. These measures aim to ensure the integrity and appropriate usage of the ONE Pass system.

 

What Are the Benefits of Singapore’s ONE Pass?

The ONE Pass is an individual-specific work visa in Singapore, distinguishing it from the standard Employment Pass. This means that ONE Pass holders do not need to re-apply for a new pass when changing jobs. Additionally, the ONE Pass allows high-income talents and established corporate executives to reside in Singapore, even without a job offer in the country.

Apart from attracting exceptional talent, the ONE Pass also addresses challenges faced by expatriates. It helps alleviate the impact of the withdrawal of the spouse’s letter of consent, which previously granted the right to work in Singapore. ONE Pass holders can bring specific family members to Singapore, and the spouse of a successful candidate will be eligible to work in Singapore with a Letter of Consent.

The ONE Pass provides entrepreneurial opportunities for its holders, allowing them to establish a company in Singapore with specific conditions. Furthermore, ONE Pass holders are exempted from the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), which grants them greater autonomy and flexibility in their entrepreneurial pursuits.

Additionally, employers hiring ONE Pass holders are not required to fulfill the job advertising requirement of the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF). These favorable features are expected to attract top global talent, influencing their decision to choose Singapore as their preferred destination for residence and work.

The ONE Pass has many benefits, but there are some potential drawbacks.

What Are the Risks of Singapore’s ONE Pass?

Some in Singapore worry about foreign talent outpacing local workers. The FCF was introduced in Singapore in 2014 to address concerns about job competition and potential discrimination against local workers. It mandates that employers applying for an Employment Pass must advertise job vacancies on Singapore’s national jobs portal and give fair consideration to all candidates, promoting transparency and equal opportunities in hiring.

Employers in Singapore also express concerns about employee retention due to the personalized nature of the ONE Pass. While the ONE Pass allows individuals to relocate to Singapore for a specific job, it does not bind them to a single employer. This flexibility can raise apprehensions among employers regarding employee retention.

The ONE Pass streamlines the immigration process for employers transferring employees to Singapore, but it also introduces risks. Employers invest in recruiting, hiring, and relocating employees, but once in Singapore on the ONE Pass, employees have the freedom to resign and stay in Singapore without a job. This concerns employers as they may face talent loss and financial implications.

To mitigate these risks, organizations relying on the ONE Pass can consider implementing a relocation repayment agreement. This legally binding document outlines the repayment terms for relocation benefits and specifies actions in the event of termination or resignation before the contract period ends. Implementing a relocation repayment agreement provides clarity and helps address potential financial consequences associated with relocation assistance.

Despite these risks, the ONE Pass has the potential to make a big impact on mobility in Singapore.

How Singapore’s ONE Pass Impacts the Mobility Industry

Singapore has introduced the ONE Pass to enhance its position as a strategic hub for industries such as international arbitration, energy transition, intellectual property, finance, and health care. This initiative aims to solidify Singapore’s standing as a prominent global destination in these domains.

Unlike traditional passes tied to a single employer or venture, the ONE Pass is individual-specific, granting the freedom to engage in multiple ventures and share expertise across different companies. This innovative approach empowers talented individuals to pursue diverse opportunities while contributing their valuable skills to various organizations.

The ONE Pass is aimed at attracting highly skilled foreign workers and top international talent across various sectors by providing career flexibility, stability, and simplified relocation. This initiative, along with other updates to employment pass requirements, seeks to enhance the quality of work visa holders and strengthen Singapore’s competitive advantage as a global hub for talent. 

Singapore is actively working to solidify its position in the minds of highly mobile international talent, utilizing the introduction of the ONE Pass to further establish itself as a desirable destination. By prioritizing talent attraction and retention, Singapore aims to stay competitive with other attractive talent hubs worldwide.