BrettLee123

The Employment Pass (EP) framework for hiring of foreigners will be tightened later this year to ensure a level playing field for citizens in the workforce and build up a Singapore core.

Any such refinement, however, will not mean that the country is closing itself off to opportunities and insisting that companies hire citizens regardless of merit, Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said as he set out the thinking behind the impending change.

Singaporeans must remain open to the world for jobs and opportunities, even as there is scope to build in more safeguards against discriminatory hiring and put in place fair practices, he added.

Given the larger proportion of Singaporeans who will enter the workforce as professionals, managers and executives (PMEs) in the future due to better educational levels, the EP framework will be adjusted, especially for the lowest-level Q1 pass holders. These are workers earning between $3,000 and $4,500 monthly.

To ensure citizens are given fair consideration, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has been studying the work pass frameworks of other countries to explore how it can incorporate their best features and adapt them to local needs. Stakeholders will also be consulted in the coming months, to further explore and develop a practical fair employment framework.

bakedbean

Welcome to the forum, Mr Lee. So where do you fit into all this? Are you working for MOM?

I never did fathom the P1s and Q1s. I am pretty sure I was a Q1 when we shifted our business to Singapore but I was certainly making many times over the amount you mention. All the same, was very grateful for Singapore to allow us in and enjoy the lower income tax rates. In fact, we would never have been able to retire so early were it not for the move.

ex reg

Only a few weeks ago there was an announcement saying that Singapore was having difficulty filling certain types of jobs etc etc.

Parnell

Problem with Singaporeans entering professional workforce

highly qualified but lacking in actual experience

Experience only achieved when working with other international peers or going offshore for a few years.