EuroCham Manpower Survey 2018

The Singapore government announced in 2018 new regulations leading to the tightening of foreign worker employment with measures to develop Singaporean talent in companies. EuroCham agreed with “Ministry of Manpower (MOM)” to conduct the present study with its members and with the national chambers.

The study shows that 54% of European companies are experiencing or expecting a negative impact from MOM’s current policies while only 12% reported positive impact. Difficulties encountered were mostly with Employment Pass applications (38%) and renewals (22%). S-Pass applications and Work Holiday passes for interns were the next most important area of difficulties. Nearly half of the respondents reported that positions in their company remain unfilled for at least 6 months. As 57% of European companies surveyed rotate talent from the region into Singapore to provide exposure and development for regional development, 2/3 of those companies are experiencing difficulties in obtaining work passes for their regional talent mobility programmes. While Singaporean universities are perceived as preparing students well for work in European companies, problems remain for certain skillsets. Gaps identified were: creativity and critical thinking, willingness to take risks, and leadership and communication skills. Companies also reported that attracting Singaporeans to certain industries and mobility of Singaporeans to work outside the country is an issue.

In conclusion, the study proposes case-by-case consideration of problems reported by companies and further dialogue on the impact of these policies. The study also suggests cooperation on long term goals for maintaining Singapore’s leading position in human capital in the region, and for Singapore’s contribution to the development of regional partners.

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