Dependent privileges lowered for work pass holders

Various pass holders may no longer bring parents, parents-in-law or sponsor the stay of spouses and children if earning below $4,000.

The changes, which will be effective from 1 September 2012, will require S Pass and Employment Pass (EP) holders to earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $4,000 to sponsor the stay of their spouses and children here, said the Ministry of Manpower in a release.

Additionally, P1 Pass holders will no longer be able to bring in their parents-in-law. They may still bring in their parents, spouses and children. Meanwhile, P2 Pass holders will no longer be able to bring in their parents or parents-in-law. They may still bring in their spouses and children. 

"The Government is tightening the criteria for work pass holders to sponsor dependants as part of the overall direction to moderate the growth of Singapore’s non-resident population. This will help ease the pressure on our social infrastructure," said the Ministry of Manpower.

"Nonetheless, Singapore remains a global talent capital. We continue to welcome highly skilled foreign professionals who wish to bring their dependants to stay with them," it added.