Current Quota and Monthly Rates
Services’ ceiling is 35%. Current monthly basic/higher-skilled rates: S$450/300 up to 10%; S$600/400 above 10–25%; S$800/600 above 25–35%. Higher-skilled status does not produce one universal rate.
Academic, Test and Market-Based Routes
Academic routes: Malaysian SPM (diploma/higher with transcript or duration evidence), North Asian high school, Chinese diploma. Tests include SET Level 1/Nitec. Market-based recognition needs S$1,600 fixed salary plus four Work Permit years; relevant NTS holders must still meet its S$2,000 floor.
Sector WSQ Certificates and Future Community Care Route
Nursery SSICs 01141/01142/01149 accept the Higher Certificate in Landscape (Nursery); landscape SSIC 81300 also accepts Arboriculture and Horticulture/Turf Maintenance variants. Discontinued Landscape Operations certificates qualify only if obtained before 10 February 2022. From 1 December 2026, listed community-care SSICs gain Higher/Advanced Certificates in Healthcare (Community Care); not yet effective.
Language Rule for Hotel, Retail and Food Services
Non-Malaysian holders in these industries also need WPLN listening and speaking level four. British Council informs MOM automatically; no separate conversion request is needed. Those qualifying through market-based recognition do not need the additional assessments.
Future Rates and Job Deployment
A 2028 tier-one/two merger is announced at S$400 higher-skilled/S$600 basic monthly rates, with details pending. Services job flexibility excludes performing artistes, Household Services Scheme and NTS-list holders. Levy status does not override occupation rules.
Official Eligibility and Requirements
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Published by: Hengxin Group Corporate Services