Singapore will be introducing a new points-based evaluation system called the Comprehensive Points Assessment System (COMPASS framework) for Employment Pass (EP) applications starting from September 2023. Applicants will need to accumulate a total of 40 points across four categories within the framework, namely salary, educational qualifications, proportion of foreign employees, and proportion of Singaporean citizens, to qualify for an EP application.

In addition to the 4 basic categories, the COMPASS framework also includes 2 bonus categories. One of them is the C5 (Individual) Skills Bonus: if the applicant's job falls under a shortage occupation in Singapore, they will receive an additional 20 points.

So, what exactly qualifies as a shortage occupation in Singapore? The Ministry of Manpower recently released a list of 27 occupations classified as "In-Demand Occupations" (C5), which includes:

Agritech:

● Alternative protein food application scientist

● Novel food biotechnologist

Financial services:

● Financial/investment adviser (ultra-high/high net worth, family office & philanthropy)

Green Economy:

● Carbon project/program manager

● Carbon standards and methodology analyst

● Carbon trader

● Carbon verification and audit specialist

Healthcare:

● Clinical psychologist

● Diagnostic radiographer

● Occupational therapist

● Physiotherapist

● Registered nurse

Infocomm Technology:

● AI scientist/engineer

● Applications/systems programmer

● Cloud specialist

● Cyber risk specialist

● Cybersecurity architect

● Cybersecurity operations specialist

● Data scientist

● Digital forensics specialist

● Penetration testing specialist

● Product manager (digital)

● Software and applications manager (technical lead/supervisor)

● Software developer

● Web and mobile applications developer

Maritime:

● Marine superintendent

● Marine technical superintendent

The list will be reviewed every three years, and the authorities may also make adjustments to the occupations based on market conditions each year.

Furthermore, if an Employment Pass applicant fails to achieve enough points in the initial 4 evaluation categories and relies on the occupation bonus points to meet the 40-point threshold, additional scrutiny will be conducted on their qualifications. These individuals' employment will also be tied to the shortage occupation they applied under, and if they are transferred to a different position, their pass eligibility will need to be reassessed.

The new COMPASS framework aims to enhance the evaluation process for EP applications by incorporating specific criteria and bonus points for in-demand occupations. This ensures that the workforce in Singapore aligns with the country's evolving economic needs and promotes the hiring of skilled professionals in key sectors.

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