Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass for Healthcare Professionals

Dr Tan Yia Swam asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether a personalised pass such as the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass can be created for healthcare professionals to attract top talent into Singapore; and (b) whether dependant passes for the spouses and children of healthcare workers can be expedited.

The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass is a personalised pass for top talent earning a fixed monthly salary of at least $30,000. It is open to talent from all sectors, including the healthcare sector.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) appreciates the importance of speed and certainty in processing applications for work passes and dependant passes. As stated on MOM's website, dependants of Employment Pass and S Pass holders can expect to obtain an outcome for their Dependant's Pass (DP) application within three weeks for most cases. This includes applications from the healthcare sector.

Most DP applications in the healthcare sector are processed within three weeks and the average processing time is well within our service standard. Applicants should take into account the processing time needed and submit their applications early.