S Pass and EP holders decline in Q2

Tougher policies attributed to decline.

The number of S Pass and Employment Pass (EP) holders in Singapore declined in Q2, as shown by data from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

MOM said the manufacturing sector drove the decline in S Pass holders during Q2.

 Various measures to uplift the quality of S Pass holders, such as increasing qualifying salaries, raising standards, and reducing quotas, have also contributed to the decline.

Meanwhile, the post-pandemic surge in hiring affected the number of EP holders. Sectors which saw a decline in EP holders were Information & Communications, Professional Services and Financial & Insurance Services.

Whilst declines in S Pass and EP holders, non-resident employment still grew, accounting for 12,000 new hires in Q2.

"The increase was mostly from Work Permit holders working in sectors and non-PMET roles which residents are not keen to work in," MOM said.

The 600 decline in residential employment, however, partially offset this growth, resulting in a total employment of 11,300 in Q2.

Construction and manufacturing sectors drove the increase in non-residential employment, whilst outward-oriented sectors such as Financial & Insurance Services, Information & Communications and Professional Services fueled growth for resident employment.