Singapore has set a minimum monthly salary that foreign workers must earn before they can bring certain family members to the country. This requirement applies to eligible foreigners holding an Employment Pass or S Pass. Applicants must earn at least S$6,000 (about KSh609,324) per month from their own salary.
Singapore has outlined the minimum salary foreign workers must earn to qualify to bring eligible family members to the country under its Long-Term Visit Pass arrangements.
The requirement applies to qualifying foreign employees, including Kenyans, who hold an Employment Pass or S Pass and meet the required salary threshold.
According to Singapore's Ministry of Manpower, an eligible worker must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 (about KSh609,324).
Singapore sets salary requirement for foreign workers
The S$6,000 (KSh609,324) threshold is based on the individual applicant's fixed monthly salary.
This means a worker cannot combine their income with that of their spouse or another household member to reach the required amount.
For example, if two spouses earn S$3,500 (about KSh355,439) and S$3,000 (about KSh304,662) respectively, their combined household income would exceed S$6,000 (KSh609,324).
However, neither individual would meet the requirement based on their own salary.
The salary requirement is therefore assessed against the income of the foreign worker applying to bring their family member to Singapore.
Who can bring family members to Singapore?
Foreign workers seeking to bring eligible family members must meet the relevant requirements for their work pass.
These include:
- Holding an Employment Pass or S Pass
- Earning a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000 (about KSh609,324)
- Meeting the relevant requirements for the family member being sponsored
The nationality of the worker does not determine the salary threshold, meaning Kenyans and other eligible foreign nationals are subject to the same requirement.
What is Singapore's Long-Term Visit Pass?
The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) allows eligible family members of certain foreign workers to stay in Singapore for an extended period.
The pass is different from a short-term visitor arrangement and is intended for qualifying family relationships under Singapore's immigration rules.
The specific family members who qualify depend on the type of work pass held and the circumstances of the applicant.
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower provides separate eligibility requirements for different categories of work-pass holders.
What the salary requirement means for Kenyans
For Kenyans working in Singapore, the S$6,000 (KSh609,324) monthly threshold is an important requirement if they want to bring eligible family members under the relevant pass arrangements.
The key point is that the threshold applies to the worker's own fixed monthly salary, rather than the combined earnings of the entire household.
Kenyans who do not meet the required salary threshold would therefore need to consider whether another immigration or family-related route applies to their circumstances.
Singapore continues to use different passes and eligibility requirements for foreign workers and their accompanying family members, with the Ministry of Manpower providing the applicable criteria for each category.
