Committee of Supply 2024 debate, Day 4: Desmond Choo on foreign manpower
With an ageing population and local labour growth slowing to zero, Singapore has to augment its workforce so that its economy stays vibrant, but it must do so carefully to maintain a Singaporean core, said MP Desmond Choo. In Parliament on Monday (Mar 4), he asked how the COMPASS framework - a points-based system to assess foreign candidates’ eligibility for an Employment Pass (EP) - has helped to support Singapore’s economic needs since it was implemented last year. He also asked how the Shortage Occupation List has allowed companies to plug hard-to-fill roles and continue to preserve and create jobs for locals. Mr Choo noted that the local workforce has been improving in quality, with median wages rising annually. He said the Government must ensure that locals do not face undue competition from EP holders who tend to have more work experience and might be prepared to take a lower pay. He asked how the Ministry of Manpower will adjust the qualifying salary to balance the needs of a Singaporean core with business needs.
With an ageing population and local labour growth slowing to zero, Singapore has to augment its workforce so that its economy stays vibrant, but it must do so carefully to maintain a Singaporean core, said MP Desmond Choo. In Parliament on Monday (Mar 4), he asked how the COMPASS framework - a points-based system to assess foreign candidates’ eligibility for an Employment Pass (EP) - has helped to support Singapore’s economic needs since it was implemented last year. He also asked how the Shortage Occupation List has allowed companies to plug hard-to-fill roles and continue to preserve and create jobs for locals. Mr Choo noted that the local workforce has been improving in quality, with median wages rising annually. He said the Government must ensure that locals do not face undue competition from EP holders who tend to have more work experience and might be prepared to take a lower pay. He asked how the Ministry of Manpower will adjust the qualifying salary to balance the needs of a Singaporean core with business needs.
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