Progress on Achieving Social Service Sector Manpower Targets and Impact of S Pass and Employment Pass Changes on Hiring

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether the social service sector is currently on track to meet its projected manpower needs of an additional 2,000 professionals between 2024 and 2029; and (b) whether this will be affected by the increase in the qualifying salary for S Pass and Employment Pass holders.

The social service sector is on track to meet our projected manpower needs. This has been supported by several key initiatives, including new scholarships and training sponsorships to attract new talent and upskill in-service staff, regular reviews of the skills and salary guidelines to ensure that sector salaries remain competitive and campaigns, such as the Year of Celebrating Social Service Professionals, to raise awareness of social service careers and enhance recognition of our professionals.

We do not expect the increase in the qualifying salary for S Pass and Employment Pass holders to have significant impact on manpower growth in the social service sector.