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Singapore
Singapore
Singapore EP renewals face 40 point COMPASS minimum starting July 1
Starting July 1, all Employment Pass renewals must meet revised COMPASS salary benchmarks and updated shortage occupation lists. Expats and employers must review these new thresholds to ensure eligibility under the points-based assessment system.
ASEAN Single Window 2.0 will cut trade costs for 10 member states
The 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu reaffirmed regional steps that affect travelers and cross-border movement, including work on ASEAN Connectivity, the ASEAN Single Window 2.0, and expanded customs transit participation. It also welcomed Myanmar as the seventh member of the ASEAN Customs Transit System and called for Brunei and Indonesia to join, which could eventually make regional freight and related movement easier to manage across multiple ASEAN states.
Singapore adds 8 occupations to NTS Work Permit hiring on Sept. 1
Singapore will expand its Non-Traditional Sources framework to include workers from Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos starting June 2026. This policy change allows employers in specific sectors to hire nationals from these countries under the standard work permit regulations.
Singapore projects 18 million arrivals as per-visitor spending cools
Singapore forecasts record tourist arrivals for the coming year but warns of a decline in per-visitor spending. Nomads and travelers should expect a shift toward more cost-conscious experiences as the city-state adapts to price pressures and high connectivity demands.
The Small Print in the Schengen Entry/Exit System for Remote Workers
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational on 2026-04-10 across the external border crossing points of the countries using it, replacing passport stamping with digital records for non-EU short-stay travelers. For travelers from Southeast Asia, this affects short trips to the Schengen area by making border checks more automated and adding biometric registration requirements at entry and exit.
Singapore Updates Salary Thresholds for Employment Passes
Starting in 2025 and extending through 2028, Singapore will increase the minimum qualifying salaries for Employment Pass and S Pass applicants. These changes will make it more difficult for mid-to-junior level foreign professionals to secure or renew work visas as the government prioritizes higher-skilled talent.
Singapore Rolls Out ONE Pass AI Track and Work Pass Updates
Singapore is introducing a specialized ONE Pass track for AI and Tech talent starting January 2027. The updates also include an expanded occupation list for work permits and streamlined levy structures to be implemented by 2028.
What to Know About Singapore's Shifting Work Permit Rules
Singapore will increase the Local Qualifying Salary to $1,800 in 2026, which impacts the quota for hiring foreign workers on S Passes and Work Permits. Additionally, the Work Permit for Performing Artistes will be discontinued on June 1, 2026, affecting foreign entertainers in the nightlife and arts sectors.
Singapore Updates Employment Pass Salary Requirements
Singapore will increase the minimum qualifying salary for new Employment Pass applicants to $6,000, and $6,600 for financial services, starting January 2027. S Pass thresholds will also rise to $3,600, impacting eligibility for foreign professionals and mid-level skilled workers.
Inside Singapore’s Biometric Immigration System
Singapore is transitioning to a fully automated immigration system, allowing all foreign travelers to use biometric lanes without prior registration. This update will significantly reduce wait times for expats and digital nomads entering or exiting the country through Changi Airport.