The Singapore government announced that it willStarting from July 1st, the work permit policy will be adjusted, abolishing the current maximum employment period limit for foreign workers, allowing work permit holders to continue working until the age of 63, and raising the age limit for new applicants to 61. This reform aims to address the issue of labor shortage and promote the unification of retirement ages for foreign and local employees.

Singapore's Minister of Human Resources and Second Minister of Trade and Industry, Chen Shilong, pointed out that policy adjustments will help those in needExperienced workers of the 'golden working age' will continue to stay, easing employment pressure in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and services. In addition, to broaden the source of labor, the government will allow employers to recruit foreign workers from Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos from September 1st, and add new industry categories such as chefs and heavy vehicle drivers to further meet the manpower needs of different fields.

Previously, the employment period of Singapore work permit holders was limited by14 to 26 years, and can only work until the age of 60; The age limit for new applicants is 50 years old (non Malaysian) or 58 years old (Malaysian). The new policy not only relaxes the employment period, but also provides longer-term career development opportunities for foreign workers.

During the budget debate for the Ministry of Human Resources in the Congressional Appropriations Committee, Chen Shilong simultaneously announced the extension of the Economic Strategy Human Resources Plan（The support period for M-SEP is up to 3 years. This plan allows companies to hire more S and work permit employees when dispatching employees to participate in overseas work or leadership training, in order to support the talent needs of the company during the transformation period.

The Singapore government stated that this series of policy adjustments is expected to optimize the structure of the labor market, enhance the resilience of enterprises to cope with economic challenges, and create a more stable employment environment for foreign workers. Analysis suggests that relaxing age restrictions and country of origin not only responds to the urgent demand for skilled labor by businesses, but also reflects Singapore's long-term strategy of balancing human resources in the context of an aging population.

up toIn 2024, foreign workers in Singapore will account for about one-third of the total labor force and are an important driving force for economic development. This policy reform is seen as a key measure for the government to respond to external competition and internal demand, and may further adjust the immigration framework in the future to maintain national competitiveness.