Singapore will eliminate time limits on Work Permits for foreign workers starting from July 2025, allowing indefinite employment for holders across all nationalities and sectors, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced on Monday.
The sweeping reforms, aimed at strengthening Singapore’s workforce, will also raise the maximum working age for foreign workers to 63 years, up from 60. The application age limit will similarly increase to 61 years, compared to the previous limits of 50 years for non-Malaysians and 58 years for Malaysians.
“These changes will help companies retain experienced foreign talent, particularly in sectors such as construction, shipyards, and manufacturing, and ensure greater workforce stability,” MOM said in a statement.
Previously, Work Permit holders were subject to strict time restrictions, often leading to frequent turnover and additional recruitment costs for businesses. The removal of employment caps is expected to incentivize businesses to invest in the long-term development of their foreign workforce.
In addition to changes for Work Permit holders, updates were announced for S Pass holders. From September 1, 2025, the minimum qualifying salary for S Pass holders will be raised to SGD 3,300, while the basic (Tier 1) S Pass levy will increase from SGD 550 to SGD 650.
According to the ministry, these updates are part of broader efforts to ensure fair compensation for skilled foreign workers and to encourage companies to prioritize talent retention over constant recruitment.
Singapore’s construction, manufacturing, and shipyard industries, which have long struggled with chronic skills shortages, are expected to benefit significantly from the reforms. The extension of employment durations and age limits will also facilitate knowledge transfer from experienced workers to younger talents within these sectors.
The policy adjustments form part of Singapore’s broader strategy to tackle its projected shortfall of 260,000 foreign talents, alongside the introduction of more visa categories to attract skilled workers.
Singapore’s labour reforms are coming amid similar moves by other countries in Europe such as Belgium, which recently updated its immigration policies to attract foreign workers.
