Edited by Rivermore Academy
As we enter 2024, Singapore has implemented numerous changes to its work visa policies. If you’re working in Singapore, have you noticed the new clause regarding MOM Background Screening?
Since September 2023, Singapore has made specific changes to the requirements for Employment Pass (EP) applications. Employers submitting new EP applications must declare educational qualifications and provide verification proof for diploma-level and above qualifications to earn points under the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).
What is COMPASS?
Before diving into MOM Background Screening, let's first understand COMPASS. As mentioned earlier, COMPASS is a new framework introduced to evaluate EP applications.
To apply for an EP, candidates now need to meet the existing minimum monthly salary requirement of SGD 5,000 for non-financial sectors and SGD 5,500 for financial sectors, and they must score at least 40 points under COMPASS to qualify for an EP.
This scoring system is divided into foundational criteria and bonus criteria. Foundational criteria include:
C1: Salary Level
C2: Educational Qualifications
C3: Diversity of Workforce
C4: Support for Local Employment
Bonus criteria include:
C5: Skills Bonus
C6: Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus
What is MOM Background Screening?
Now that you know about C2 (Educational Qualifications), you might wonder how the Singapore government verifies your educational certificates. The answer is MOM Background Screening—a mandatory requirement set by the Singapore government to verify educational qualifications.
Under MOM Background Screening, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) collaborates with partners to form a panel and has selected 12 background screening companies to provide verification services for employers, supporting the EP application process.
Here are the 12 background screening companies:
1. Avvanz International Background Checks
2. Cisive
3. Dataflow
4. eeCheck
5. First Advantage
6. HireRight
7. Risk Management Intelligence (RMI)
8. Sterling RISQ
9. Veremark
10. Vero Screening
11. GPC Gateway (specializes in verifying Japanese qualifications)
12. Verity Intelligence (specializes in verifying qualifications from Australia, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA)
Ensuring Quality Education Through Strict Verification
Currently, Singapore focuses on strictly verifying the educational qualifications of EP applicants. However, it’s well-known that Singapore is a society and nation that highly values higher education. Even working professionals are encouraged by the government to pursue continuous education and professional development, with dedicated agencies promoting lifelong learning.
If you’re thinking, "I only need a Work Permit (WP) or S Pass (SP)," this may not be a safe assumption. Who’s to say that Singapore won’t implement stringent checks for SP or WP holders in the future?
Continuing education or professional development is always a good idea. In the short term, it can secure your job. In the long term, the knowledge you gain can transform your life and enrich your mind and soul.
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