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Work & skilled workersPublishedMedium impactVerified

Singapore updates COMPASS shortage occupation list

🇸🇬 SingaporeWork Permits1 recorded versionLast change 14 Jul 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 90%

Current rules

-Singapore's updated SOL applies to new and renewal EP applications from 1 January 2026. -Candidates working in listed shortage occupations can qualify for the C5 Skills Bonus. -Eligible technology occupations on the SOL can also qualify for a 5-year EP. -The candidate must actually perform the duties of the listed occupation. -The occupation selected in the EP application must match the relevant job title requirements. -Additional requirements may include qualifications, relevant work experience or professional registration.

Overview

Singapore has updated its Shortage Occupation List (SOL) under the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) for Employment Pass (EP) applications. The current SOL applies to new and renewal Employment Pass applications from 1 January 2026. It identifies occupations where Singapore has a shortage of skilled workers. Candidates working in listed occupations can receive bonus points under COMPASS C5, and eligible technology professionals may qualify for a 5-year Employment Pass.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Foreign professionals applying for a Singapore Employment Pass
  • EP applicants whose occupations are on the Shortage Occupation List
  • Employers hiring professionals in shortage occupations
  • Eligible technology professionals seeking the 5-year Employment Pass
  • EP holders applying for renewal where their occupation remains eligible

What changed in the latest version

Before

-Employment Pass applicants had to meet the qualifying salary and, unless exempt, pass COMPASS. -Only occupations included on the applicable SOL could qualify for the C5 Skills Bonus. -The SOL was based on Singapore's identified skills shortages and could change as labour-market needs changed. -Existing Employment Passes were not affected by later changes to the SOL.

After

-Singapore's updated SOL applies to new and renewal EP applications from 1 January 2026. -Candidates working in listed shortage occupations can qualify for the C5 Skills Bonus. -Eligible technology occupations on the SOL can also qualify for a 5-year EP. -The candidate must actually perform the duties of the listed occupation. -The occupation selected in the EP application must match the relevant job title requirements. -Additional requirements may include qualifications, relevant work experience or professional registration.

The SOL can make it easier for an eligible foreign professional to meet the 40 points required to pass COMPASS. The important distinction is: Being on the Shortage Occupation List does not guarantee an Employment Pass. It can give the applicant additional COMPASS points. The candidate must still meet the Employment Pass salary requirement and the other COMPASS criteria.

Explained simply

Imagine you're trying to get into a special club, and to get in, you need a certain number of points. This club is called the Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore, and the points system is called COMPASS. The government regularly checks what kind of skills Singapore really needs, like engineers for new tech or scientists for research. They have a special 'Shortage Occupation List' (SOL) which is like a VIP list of these in-demand jobs. What happened is, they just updated this VIP list. So, if your job is on this new list, it's like getting a special boost! You automatically get 20 extra points for your COMPASS score. This makes it much easier for you to reach the total points needed to get your EP and work in Singapore. It's their way of saying, "Hey, we really need people with your skills, so come on over!"

Version history

  1. v2Effective 1 Jan 2026PublishedMedium impact
    Singapore updates COMPASS shortage occupation list

    The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has updated the list of jobs experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, which is used to award extra points under the COMPASS framework for Employment Passes.

Other routes in this country

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