Singapore: 3,000 highly skilled foreign workers granted ONE Pass

Will the ONE Pass redefine the city-state’s global workforce landscape?
SINGAPORE – A total of 3,000 foreign workers were granted the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass in 2024, a privilege given to top talent in the country.
The ONE Pass is a specialised work visa introduced in Singapore in January 2023. It aims to attract top global talent across various sectors, including business, arts, technology, and academia.
Unlike traditional employment passes, the ONE Pass is individual-specific, allowing holders to change jobs without needing to reapply for a new pass. It is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the holder meets renewal criteria.
Most ONE Pass applicants convert their status from the Employment Pass to the specialised visa.
However, 1 in 6 applicants last year were new, according to Manpower Minister Tan See Leng in his response to a question from People’s Action Party Member of Parliament Patrick Tay.
“The conversion of existing work pass holders who meet the ONE Pass criteria helps us to anchor talent in Singapore,” Dr. Tan said.
Since 2024, the ONE Pass has fuelled a rise in Singapore’s non-resident population, which surged to approximately 1.86 million – marking a 5% increase from 2023. This talent magnet reflects the city-state’s ongoing efforts to stay ahead in the global race for skilled professionals.
To ensure compliance, the Ministry of Manpower introduced an annual check-in for ONE Pass holders, requiring them to report their salary and employment status. This serves as a safeguard to maintain the programme’s integrity.
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Streamlined ONE Pass application process
With talent as its currency, Singapore is making sure it remains one of the most competitive economies in the world. The country’s ONE Pass system offers a streamlined hiring process, setting it apart from other work visas.
Applicants must either earn at least SG$30,000 per month over the past year or demonstrate extraordinary achievements in fields like arts, sports, or academia.
Unlike other passes, there are no quotas or caps – Singapore is casting a wide net for the best talent.
ONE Pass holders also enjoy certain freedoms. They can work for multiple employers at once, seamlessly moving across roles without the hassle of reapplying.
In contrast, traditional work passes like the Employment Pass and S Pass come with tighter reins. These require a job offer that meets strict salary and qualification benchmarks, tying workers to a single employer. Changing jobs means starting from scratch, including reapplication and approval.
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Moreover, companies hiring under these traditional passes must prove their case – posting job advertisements on government-approved platforms for up to 28 days to prioritise local talent before tapping into the foreign labour pool.
The ONE Pass, however, expedites the process, allowing businesses to snap up top professionals without delay.
Industries hiring ONE Pass holders
Singapore is doubling down on its ambition to be a global talent hub, and the ONE Pass is its answer. The programme is attracting high-flyers across multiple sectors.
Finance and fintech are on a rapid growth trajectory, with major players like DBS Bank and Grab Financial Group hunting for top minds to spearhead innovation.
Global consulting firms such as McKinsey & Company and Boston Consulting Group are bringing in ONE Pass holders for their sharp strategic insights.
Companies focused on sustainability and renewable energy are seeking seasoned ESG professionals and green tech experts to drive their environmental initiatives.
As Singapore pushes the boundaries of its digital economy, data scientists and software developers are in hot demand. Tech giants like Google and Facebook are actively recruiting ONE Pass holders for their expertise in AI, data analytics, and digital marketing.
Medical research, biotechnology, and healthcare technology are also key sectors where professionals are being sought after to strengthen Singapore’s research and development landscape.
For businesses, the ONE Pass allows them to bring in high-calibre professionals without the constraints of traditional work passes.