Mastering the COMPASS Framework for Singapore Employment Pass in 2026

Published on August 22, 2026 • By Immigration & Compliance Desk

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Immigration & Compliance Desk Aug 22, 2026 MOM Regulations & Work Passes

The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) is the points-based evaluation system for all new Employment Pass (EP) applications and renewals in Singapore. Designed to build a diverse and high-calibre workforce, COMPASS evaluates applications across four foundational criteria and two bonus criteria.

Key Foundational Criteria:

  • C1: Salary Benchmarks: Candidate’s fixed monthly salary compared against local PMET benchmarks for the respective sector and age bracket. (Up to 20 points)
  • C2: Qualifications: Degree-equivalent qualifications from top-tier accredited universities. (Up to 20 points)
  • C3: Firm-Level Diversity: Percentage of candidate’s nationality within the hiring firm’s PMET headcount. (Up to 20 points)
  • C4: Support for Local Employment: The employer’s ratio of local PMETs relative to industry sector peers. (Up to 20 points)

How Employers Can Prepare:

Before filing an EP application on EP eService, employers should run a self-assessment using the MOM COMPASS Pre-Assessment Tool. HEHE Manpower assists corporate HR teams with preliminary point simulations and credential verification through accredited background checking agencies to prevent unexpected rejections.

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