12 December, 2017
Overview
With effect from 1 January 2018:
- EP and S Pass holders need to meet a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000 to bring their spouse and children to Singapore on a Dependant Pass (“DP”); and
- EP and S Pass holders need to meet a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$12,000 to bring their parents to Singapore on a Long Term Visit Pass (“LTVP”).
For completeness, the above changes will only apply to new DP or LTVP applications that are made on or after 1 January 2018. New DP or LTVP applications made before 1 January 2018 will be assessed on existing criteria.
Renewal of DPs and LTVPs that are approved or issued before 1 January 2018 will also be assessed on existing criteria as long as the main pass holder has a valid work pass with the same employer.
The above changes to the qualifying salary requirement are not applicable to EntrePass and Personalised Employment Pass holders as their dependant privileges are assessed based on separate sets of criteria.
Commentary
The changes to the qualifying salary requirement help ensure that the work pass holders are able to upkeep their dependants in Singapore. The MOM has stated that it will assess the level of dependant privileges for a work pass holder based on his/her economic contributions and whether he/she can finance his/her dependants’ stay in Singapore. This is in line with MOM’s current policy of increased scrutiny on EP applications to ensure that the foreign Professionals, Managers and Executives are of suitable quality and experience.
For further information, please contact:
Laure de Panafieu , Counsel, Head of Employment & Incentives, Asia , Linklaters
laure.de_panafieu@linklaters.com
