From 1 September 2023, we have raised the salary threshold for exemption to $22,500, comparable to the top 10% of EP holders.
Such EP holders tend to be senior management, including C-suite personnel or specialists. These positions are likely to require more specialised skillsets and have a more stringent selection process. It is in the interest of the firm to practise fair consideration and select the best possible candidate for such senior roles. Given the nature of these roles, they are not typically filled through open job advertisements, and it would not be practical to require firms to advertise.
Employers who engage employment agencies, such as executive search companies, to head-hunt for these jobs, should instruct employment agencies to source for candidates based on merit and fairly consider all candidates. MOM expects employment agencies to equally uphold the
Fair Consideration Framework and
Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices when they undertake work for their clients. As a next step, MOM is looking into how employment agencies can be better regulated to ensure fair employment practices.