Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has implemented significant adjustments to its Work Permit (WP) framework, reflecting evolving labor needs and demographic trends. These changes encompass expanded age limits, extended employment duration, new source countries for foreign workers, and updated sector-specific requirements as of August 2025.
Singapore Work Permit Rules
- Extended Maximum Employment Age: The permissible upper age for Work Permit holders has increased to 63 years, aligning with Singapore’s official retirement age.
- Higher Age for New Applicants: New applicants may now be up to 61 years old, raised from earlier limits of 50 (non-Malaysians) and 58 (Malaysians).
- No Fixed Tenure Cap: From 1 July 2025, there is no restriction on how long a WP holder can be employed, provided eligibility and employer demand persist.
- Expanded Source Countries: Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos have been added to the list of approved Non-Traditional Source (NTS) countries.
- New Occupation Categories Eligible: Effective 1 September 2025, additional job categories—including cooks, heavy vehicle drivers, and manufacturing operators—will be open to these NTS nationals.
Overview Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Employment Age | Up to 63 years, no fixed tenure limit |
| Age for New Applicants | Up to 61 years |
| Added NTS Countries | Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos |
| New Eligible Roles from Sept 2025 | Cooks, Heavy Vehicle Drivers, Manufacturing Operators |
| Services Sector Rules | Age 18–<61 apply; DRC 35%; tiered levy; specified source countries |
| WP Distinctions | Semi-skilled; no PR or family privileges; subject to EFMA requirements |
Eligibility Criteria
- Age Requirements: Applicants must be between 18 and below 61 years old when applying; work may extend until age 63.
- Source Country Restrictions: Only workers from specific regions—such as Malaysia, China (PRC), and North Asian sources (Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Taiwan)—are generally allowed. NTS countries are permitted only for restricted occupations.
- Quota and Levy Framework: Employers face Dependency Ratio Ceilings (DRC) and tiered levy rates. For example, the services sector DRC is 35%. Levy rates vary by tier and worker skill level, with higher levies when the DRC is exceeded.
Legal Framework
- The Work Permit system is part of Singapore’s Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA), designed for semi-skilled workers. WP holders aren’t eligible for permanent residency or family reunification, unlike S Pass or Employment Pass holders.
- Sector-specific rules (e.g., construction, manufacturing) and general protocols—such as medical exams, security bonds, housing, and application procedures—remain in place.
For more details, visit the official Ministry of Manpower Work Permit page.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q1.What is the new maximum age a Work Permit holder can work until?
Answer= Work Permit holders may now remain employed up to 63 years, with no capped duration.
Q2.Which new countries are added to the Non-Traditional Source list?
Answer= Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos are newly included as NTS countries.
Q3.From when can cooks, heavy vehicle drivers, and manufacturing operators be hired?
Answer= These roles become eligible for NTS nationals starting 1 September 2025.