Number of S Pass Holders Earning More Than $3,000 in 2019, 2020 and 2021

Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Manpower how many S Pass holders earned more than S$3,000 in 2019, 2020, and 2021 respectively.

Dr Tan See Leng: The data requested by the Member is given in Table 1 below. From December 2019 to December 2021, the number of S Pass holders decreased from 200,000 to 161,800, in part due to COVID-19-related entry restrictions. Over the same period, the share of S Pass holders earning $3,000 or higher increased from 37% to 67%.

MOM regularly reviews the S Pass qualifying salary 1 to keep pace with local APT 2 wages. This ensures that S Pass holders are of good calibre and are not hired simply because they are cheaper than locals. Correspondingly, the share of S Pass holders earning higher wages has increased over time.

Note(s) to Question No(s) 51:

1 The S Pass minimum qualifying salary is currently $2,500. From September 2022, the S Pass minimum qualifying salary will be raised to $3,000. The qualifying salary increases progressively with age for older and more experienced candidates, up to $4,500 for a candidate in their mid-40s.

2 Refers to Associate Professionals and Technicians.