Singapore rolls out new visa for top global talent from tech to sport and arts sectors

The Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass, which requires a minimum monthly salary of S$30,000 (US$21,400), will begin in 2023

The duration of some tech visas will also be extended, as the city state tries to retain and attract workers amid a global tech talent crunch

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At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore saw a slow stream of expatriates leaving the city state, citing tightened foreign labour policies, strict pandemic rules, and a desire to be closer to home. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 7:00pm, 29 Aug 2022Updated: 7:23pm, 29 Aug 2022

Singapore is stepping up efforts to woo top professionals as the world returns to normality following the Covid-19 pandemic, with tech workers among those in its sights amid a global talent crunch in the sector.

Last week, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong underscored in his annual policy address the importance of building a world-class talent pool, noting that countries had made special effort to court top talent and Singapore could not afford to be left behind.

Manpower Minister Tan See Leng on Monday said that as the world began to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore could not allow investors to doubt whether the city state remained open. “As a country with little or no resources, talent is our only resource and talent acquisition is an offensive strategy to us,” he said.

At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore saw a slow stream of expatriates leaving the city state, citing tighter foreign labour policies, strict pandemic rules, and a desire to be closer to home.

“We are now in an era where businesses follow talent, as much as talent follows businesses. Both businesses and talent are searching for safe and stable environments to invest, live and work in. Singapore is such a place,” Tan said.

As such, Singapore would be making several “targeted enhancements” to its work pass framework.

Starting next year, a new track – the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass – will be established to scout top talent across sectors. This would apply to people who “possess valuable networks as well as deep skills and expertise that can help Singapore grow”, Tan said.