Breaking the Employment Period Limit

In a significant policy shift, Singapore is set to remove the employment period cap for foreigners holding work permits, effective this July. This move, as reported by The Straits Times, eliminates the previous restrictions that ranged from 14 to 26 years, depending on the worker's skill level, sector, and country of origin.

Adjustments to Age Limits

Concurrently, the maximum employment age for these workers will see an increase from 60 to 63 years, aligning with Singapore's retirement age. Furthermore, the age limit for new work permit applicants will be raised to 61, up from 58 for Malaysians and 50 for workers from other countries. It's important to note that these changes do not affect migrant domestic workers, who will continue to be governed by existing regulations.

Expanding the Scope of Eligible Jobs

Starting in June, Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos will be added to the list of non-traditional sources for work permit holders. This expansion allows firms in the manufacturing and services sectors to hire workers from these countries for specific roles, including heavy vehicle drivers, manufacturing operators, and cooks, among others. This adjustment replaces the previous category of "cooks in Indian restaurants," broadening the opportunities for both employers and workers.

Record Numbers and Future Plans

These policy updates come at a time when the number of work permit holders in Singapore, excluding domestic workers, has reached a record high of 843,400 as of last June. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, "With these changes, employers can retain experienced workers who are still able to contribute." He also hinted at ongoing reviews of the work permit framework to adapt to the evolving workforce needs, with further updates to be announced.