English Language Qualification Requirement for Employment Pass Applicants

Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether there are English language qualification requirements for Employment Pass applicants; and (b) if not, what are the reasons for not imposing such a requirement.

Dr Tan See Leng: There are no English language qualification requirements for Employment Pass applicants. It is more appropriate for the employer rather than the Government to specify the level of English proficiency required, based on their business needs and other job-specific hiring requirements. Therefore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) does not make this a requirement.