Singapore hoping special work visa will draw global 'rainmakers'

The regional financial hub announced new rules two weeks ago to draw expatriates earning at least $21,452 a month, offering them 5-year visas that would automatically allow their spouses to work also

Singapore is hoping a special work visa will make it more competitive in attracting "the rainmakers of the world", its manpower minister said on Monday, as it seeks to balance its need for talent with local unease about expatriate workers.
 

The regional financial hub announced new rules two weeks ago to draw expatriates earning at least S30,000 ($21,452) a month, offering them five-year visas that would automatically allow their spouses to work also.
 

Addressing parliament, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng said global talent would help Singapore develop sectors like sustainability, artificial intelligence or fintech, but it faced a challenge with