EMPLOYMENT PASSES (Flexibility)

Dr Koh Lam Son asked the Minister for Home Affairs, in making Singapore more attractive to foreign investors, especially the Japanese, who are keen to bring in their own management teams, whether his Ministry will be more flexible in granting employment passes.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs (Dr Lee Boon Yang) (for the Minister for Home Affairs): Sir, I shall reply on behalf of my Minister.

Employment Passes are issued by the Immigration Department to well qualified professionals and skilled workers who can contribute effectively to our economic development. Policy guidelines on the grant of Employment Pass are made in close consultation with the relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Committee on Attracting Talent to Singapore.

Home-based staff of well established multi-national companies are granted Employment Passes very liberally. This is because MNCs make a significant contribution to our economy by bringing in investments and know-how. Hence, Japanese management teams in MNCs should have no problem in getting Employment Passes. Those working in smaller companies and private firms would be assessed individually on their own merits.