Optional settling-in programme for new S Pass holders next year to 'encourage positive interaction with locals'

SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is piloting a settling-in programme for new S Pass holders next year to familiarise them with working in Singapore and “encourage positive interaction with locals”, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng said on Monday (Nov 7). 

Dr Tan also said that MOM does not fast-track or guarantee permanent residency statuses for Employment Pass (EP) and Overseas Networks and Expertise (One) Pass holders, adding that he hopes employers would play their part in supporting foreign workers who are new to Singapore.

This was in response to a speech by Nominated Member of Parliament Raj Joshua Thomas who suggested a compulsory programme for all expatriates — to be administered by their employer — to ease them into Singaporean culture and "set our relationship on the right footing".

In a 20-minute speech before the end of the parliamentary sitting, Mr Thomas spoke of the importance for expatriates to respect Singapore’s laws and cultures, and for firms here to always consider hiring locals first before foreigners.

He noted that whenever there are incidents of foreigners violating Singapore laws, commentators are always quick to ask what they are employed as in Singapore and what the consequences are.

“These flashpoints often lead to a backlash against our global talent policies,” Mr Thomas said in his adjournment motion.

“A winning global talent strategy must address both the practical and emotive aspects, because Singapore is not a corporation,” he added. 

“The Government must be sensitive to and address the fears and concerns of Singaporeans as we see more foreigners coming into Singapore. Expatriates must be gracious guests and respect our way of life and Singaporeans must be welcoming and hospitable hosts.”

Dr Tan, in response, agreed and said that there are clear benefits to having work pass holders who are well-integrated into Singapore’s society, adding that the country can also help them ease into their stay here through orientation programmes.

Since July 2021, when senior EP holders first come to Singapore, they attend in-depth, small group sessions where they learn about Singapore’s approach to workplace issues such as maintaining harmonious labour relations and ensuring good local-foreign integration in companies.

This, as well as the settling-in programme for S Pass holders next year, are not compulsory, Dr Tan said.

“We seek to strike a balance between promoting integration and not being overly prescriptive in how we achieve this aim,” he said.

At present, similar settling-in programmes are mandatory for some other groups of foreign workers. For instance, foreign domestic workers as well as Non-Malaysian Work Permit holders in the manufacturing industry and construction, marine shipyard and process sectors must attend a one-day orientation programme.

In response to TODAY's queries, MOM said the new programme for S Pass holders seeks to focus on "adapting to local workplace norms and building positive relations with local colleagues".

MOM added that it will review whether to expand similar programmes for EP holders after the pilot for S Pass holders is completed.

Urging employers to play their part in his speech, Dr Tan noted that DBS Bank has launched its own immersion programme where it assigns all new employees a Singaporean buddy and organises sharing sessions on Singapore’s nation-building journey and walking trails exploring the multi-cultural heritage here.

Companies interested in implementing similar initiatives can tap the Ministry of Community, Culture and Youth’s community integration fund, he added.

As for permanent residency statuses, Dr Tan said that these applications are assessed independently from work pass applications and that the Government maintains a clear distinction between them.

And while the Government does not fast-track or guarantee permanent residency to EP and One Pass holders, he said he hopes they will choose to make Singapore their home.

“Granting permanent residency or citizenship to deserving global talent means that we can anchor them here to continue creating opportunities for Singapore and Singaporeans in the long run.”