COMPASS framework introduced for Employment Pass applications

The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) — Singapore's points-based EP eligibility test — came into effect for new applications from September 2023 and for renewals from September 2024. Applicants must score ≥ 40 points across four foundational criteria (salary, qualifications, diversity contribution, skills shortage). Applicants with a fixed salary ≥ S$22,500 are exempt. Has materially reshaped employer hiring pipelines and demonstrably tightened the EP filter.