Key Points
- The maximum employment age for work permit holders will increase from 60 to 62 on July 1, 2025.
- Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos will join the eligible countries for work permits.
- From September 1, 2025, new job roles—including cooks, heavy vehicle drivers, and manufacturing operators—will be opened to foreign workers from these countries.
Overview
Singapore is adjusting its work permit regulations to address labor shortages and meet sector-specific workforce demands. Effective July 1, 2025, the upper age limit for work permit holders will increase from 60 to 62 years. A new transitional age cap of 61 will apply to specific job categories, easing the policy shift and extending employment opportunities for experienced foreign workers.
Additionally, Singapore is expanding the list of eligible countries from which foreign nationals may obtain work permits. Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos will be newly included, joining existing countries such as Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. This move aims to diversify the talent pool and improve industry recruitment flexibility.
From September 1, 2025, workers from these countries will be eligible to fill key roles in high-demand sectors, including cooks, heavy vehicle drivers, and manufacturing operators. These changes are part of Singapore’s broader strategy to manage workforce shortages while maintaining the integrity of its labor policies and balancing local employment priorities.
The policy updates follow consultations with employers and industry stakeholders and are designed to support economic recovery and long-term growth. Employers should review their hiring and compliance strategies to ensure alignment with the new rules, which will take effect in stages during the second half of 2025.
Looking Ahead
Singapore may continue to refine its work permit policies as labor market conditions evolve. Employers are advised to monitor official announcements from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for additional guidance and transitional measures. Companies that rely on foreign labor, particularly in food services, logistics, and manufacturing, should assess workforce planning needs early and prepare for application processes under the updated criteria. Immigration counsel and HR departments will be critical in adapting internal policies to meet these new requirements efficiently.
