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Singapore has updated its Shortage Occupation List (SOL) under the Complementarity Assessment Framework, with the revised list applying to new and renewal Employment Pass applications from 1 January 2026.
The SOL identifies occupations where Singapore continues to face significant skills shortages. Employment Pass candidates filling eligible roles may receive additional points under the COMPASS C5 Skills Bonus, helping employers recruit specialised professionals in areas where the local talent supply remains limited. Certain experienced technology professionals may also qualify for an Employment Pass valid for up to five years.
What the Shortage Occupation List Means for Employers
An occupation appearing on the SOL does not automatically guarantee additional COMPASS points or Employment Pass approval.
The candidate must perform the specific duties stated for the relevant shortage occupation and satisfy any additional requirements imposed by the Ministry of Manpower. These may include relevant academic qualifications, minimum work experience, professional registration or supporting documentation from the appropriate sector agency.
The occupation selected in the Employment Pass application must also correspond with the position advertised on MyCareersFuture, unless the employer is exempt from the Fair Consideration Framework job-advertising requirement.
This means employers should review the proposed job title, responsibilities and candidate profile before advertising the position or submitting an Employment Pass application.
Key Sectors Covered
The updated SOL includes specialised roles across sectors such as:
Agritech and alternative food production
Financial services and family office advisory
Green economy and carbon services
Healthcare
Infocomm technology and artificial intelligence
Examples include alternative protein food application scientists, investment advisers serving high-net-worth and family office clients, healthcare professionals, AI engineers and AI researchers.
For technology occupations, candidates must meet the applicable educational or professional experience requirements. Experienced technology professionals who satisfy the additional criteria may be eligible for the longer five-year Employment Pass.
The List Will Continue to Change
The Ministry of Manpower reviews the SOL annually to ensure it continues to reflect Singapore’s labour-market needs. Occupations may be added or removed as local capabilities develop and workforce shortages change.
In 2026, three infocomm technology occupations were removed after more local professionals entered those roles. MOM has also stated that existing Employment Passes will not be affected when an occupation is subsequently removed from the list.
This highlights an important point for employers: workforce and Employment Pass planning should be based on the rules in force at the time of each new or renewal application, rather than on previous approvals.
How Employers Should Prepare
Before recruiting an overseas candidate for an SOL role, employers should confirm that:
The job title is recognised under the current SOL.
The actual responsibilities match MOM’s prescribed duties.
The candidate meets the relevant qualification, experience or registration requirements.
The MyCareersFuture advertisement and Employment Pass application use consistent occupation information.
The organisation can provide the supporting documents required for verification.
A well-prepared application should demonstrate not only that the candidate has the appropriate credentials, but also that the position genuinely addresses a specialised workforce need.
Stigious Global Mobility supports employers with talent search, workforce planning, Employment Pass coordination and cross-border recruitment solutions. Businesses hiring specialised professionals should review their recruitment and work-pass strategies early to avoid application delays and compliance risks.
