ONE Pass holders rise to 8,500 by end-2025

About 70% were in finance, information and communication, and professional services.

The number of Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass holders in Singapore increased to about 8,500 as of December 2025, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

This was up from approximately 6,300 in December 2024 and 3,600 in December 2023, when the scheme was introduced.

About 70% of ONE Pass holders were employed across financial and insurance services, information and communication, and professional services.

By comparison, the number of Tech.Pass holders remained stable at an average of around 200 over the past three years. Most were employed in the information and communication sector.

MOM said the growth in ONE Pass holders reflected the scheme’s attractiveness to global talent.

The ministry said pass holders complement the local workforce by bringing specialised capabilities, leadership experience and international networks. Their areas of expertise include artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and biomedical sciences.

MOM cited A*STAR researcher Anders Jacobsen Skanderup, who developed an AI-based method for monitoring cancer progression, and OpenAI managing director of international strategy and operations Oliver Jay, who has mentored founders of local companies including Carousell and Glints.

The ONE Pass is valid for up to five years and generally requires applicants to earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $30,000. Individuals with outstanding achievements in specified fields may qualify without meeting the salary criterion.

However, MOM’s parliamentary response did not provide quantified data on outcomes such as the number of local jobs created or the extent of skills transferred to Singapore workers.