Following the Expats Service Centre announcement on May 21, 2026, further clarity has been provided on how the upcoming Employment Pass (EP) minimum salary revisions – effective June 1, 2026 – will be applied in practice, including transitional provisions for applications already in progress.
The key information to note with respect to this change is as follows:
- Fully completed EP applications received prior to June 1, 2026, will be evaluated against the current salary criteria, provided all submission requirements are met.
- EP renewal applications must continue to be lodged within the standard three-month window preceding expiry.
- A one-year exemption applies to EP Category III (EPIII) roles in the Global Business Services (GBS) sector where native or near-native language skills are required. Such cases may continue to be assessed under the current salary thresholds until June 1, 2027, subject to MDEC’s eligibility assessment and verification.
The transitional provisions offer a practical window for employers to manage EP filings under the existing framework. Businesses with applications nearing readiness should prioritise submission ahead of the June 1, 2026, deadline. Those in the GBS sector with qualifying EPIII roles should engage with MDEC promptly to confirm eligibility for the extended exemption period. We will issue further guidance as additional details are released by the authorities.
This news alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific guidance or further information, please contact Newland Chase directly.