Singapore’s Work Visa overhaul: What it means for Indians

Singapore is introducing significant policy changes that will make it easier for foreign workers, including Indians, to secure long-term employment and career growth in the city-state. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced reforms aimed at helping employers hire and retain skilled foreign talent, offering Indian professionals and laborers better prospects.
Starting July 1, Singapore will eliminate the maximum employment period for work permit holders. Previously, foreign workers were restricted to staying for 14 to 26 years, depending on their sector and nationality. With this restriction lifted, Indian workers in industries like construction, shipyards, and processing will now have the opportunity to work in Singapore without arbitrary time limits.
Furthermore, the upper age limit for employment is rising. The age at which experienced professionals can now continue to work has been raised from 60 to 63. In the meanwhile, the former age limit of 50 will no longer apply to new candidates; they will instead be eligible up to 61. Senior professionals and experienced workers from India will especially benefit from this reform, which will enable them to continue their careers in Singapore.
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Alongside employment stability, salaries are also set to increase. From September, the minimum qualifying salary for S Pass holders—who work in specialized roles—will rise to SGD 3,300 (Rs 2.04 lakh). For mid-career professionals in their 40s, this could go up to SGD 4,800 (Rs 3 lakh). In financial services, the minimum qualifying salary will start at SGD 3,800.
Moreover, Singapore is opening up more job opportunities for workers from non-traditional sources like India. From September, additional roles such as cooks, heavy vehicle drivers, and manufacturing operators will be available to foreign workers. This expansion will provide more pathways for Indian workers looking to enter Singapore’s job market.
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When local and foreign talent are balanced, Singapore's economy flourishes. Tan See Leng, Minister of Manpower, underlined that limiting foreign employment would hurt companies and limit chances for citizens. Local professionals, managers, and executives had a 382,000 growth in employment over the last ten years, while international employment increased by 38,000.
With these new measures, Indian professionals, skilled workers, and businesses will have a stronger presence in Singapore, ensuring sustained job opportunities and fostering deeper economic ties between the two nations.