Correction reviewed on 23 October 2026: This article previously described MYE as a current project-based hiring system. MYE was phased out from 1 January 2024; the limited transition for qualifying older projects ended no later than 31 December 2024. The current explanation below replaces that outdated premise.
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Does MYE Still Apply to Singapore Construction Hiring?
No. Man-Year Entitlement (MYE) is no longer the current hiring framework for construction or process Work Permit holders. Employers should plan against MOM’s current sector quota, local workforce count and levy rules. A project award or contract value does not create a new MYE allocation in 2026. Marine shipyard employers must use their separate sector requirements rather than an assumed construction MYE formula.
When Did the MYE System End?
MYE historically allocated foreign-worker entitlements to construction and process projects. In its announcement on transforming the construction and process sectors, MOM set out its removal from 1 January 2024, together with changes to quota limits and levy structures.
Firms could generally apply for and use MYE until 31 December 2023. A limited transition applied to projects already awarded, or with tender calling dates, on or before 18 February 2022. Those projects could use MYE only until project completion or 31 December 2024, whichever came first. That historical transition does not support a MYE application for a new project in 2026.
Accordingly, the earlier statement in this article that a new MYE formula took effect on 1 April 2025, cutting allocations by about 15%, was incorrect and has been withdrawn. There is no current MYE-per-dollar formula to use for a 2026 tender.
What Should Employers Check Instead?
| Sector | Current planning basis | Official guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Sector quota based on the eligible local workforce, plus applicable worker and levy requirements. MOM’s sector guide states five Work Permit holders for each qualifying local employee. | Construction sector requirements |
| Process | Sector quota based on the eligible local workforce, plus process-sector eligibility and levy requirements. MOM’s sector guide states five Work Permit holders for each qualifying local employee. | Process sector requirements |
| Marine shipyard | Separate marine shipyard classification, quota and levy requirements. MOM’s sector guide states three Work Permit holders for each qualifying local employee. | Marine shipyard requirements |
These ratios are a starting point, not a confirmed hiring entitlement for an individual employer. Check MOM’s live quota calculation and any S Pass usage before relying on a headcount figure. The eligible local workforce depends on salary and CPF records under the Local Qualifying Salary rules; counting named local employees alone is insufficient.
How Should You Budget Levies?
Use the current levy table for the correct sector, worker source country or region and skill category. Construction has an off-site category with its own eligibility requirements. Do not classify workers under the abolished MYE or MYE-waiver levy tiers.
Marine shipyard and process employers should also distinguish rates currently payable from announced future changes. MOM’s current sector pages describe basic-skilled levy increases from 2028 and state that further implementation details will be released. Do not treat an announced future increase as today’s levy.
Our foreign worker levy guide explains the wider budgeting process. Check the official sector table before making a hiring or pricing decision.
A Practical Check Before Pricing a New Project
- Confirm the employer’s sector. Project work described as marine, construction or process does not by itself establish the company’s MOM classification.
- Check the current quota balance. Reconcile eligible local workforce records, existing foreign-worker numbers and planned hires using MOM’s calculation tools.
- Verify worker eligibility. Check permitted source countries, occupations, skill status and the sector’s other conditions before assuming a worker can be deployed.
- Use the correct levy table. Separate current monthly costs from future announced rates and other employment costs.
- Keep the evidence. Retain the dated quota calculation and levy assumptions used in a tender. Avoid reusing old MYE spreadsheets as current regulatory guidance.
For the broader process, read our Work Permit quota, levy and renewal guide. Keep workforce planning alongside the company’s ACRA and IRAS compliance calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a contractor obtain MYE for a project awarded in 2026?
No. The MYE framework has ended. Check the company’s current sector quota and the proposed workers’ eligibility instead.
Is the former MYE-waiver levy still a current category?
No. Use the applicable current sector levy table and skill classification, rather than the former MYE and MYE-waiver tiers.
Can an old project’s transition still apply?
The limited transition described by MOM ended at project completion or 31 December 2024, whichever occurred first. It is not an ongoing exception in 2026.
Are marine shipyard quotas the same as construction quotas?
No. Marine shipyard employers must meet the separate classification and quota requirements published by MOM.
How Raffles Corporate Services Can Help
Raffles Corporate Services can coordinate assistance with workforce-planning records and business compliance, including referrals to our associated employment agency where appropriate. Prepare your sector details, local payroll and CPF records, current pass-holder list and proposed hiring needs so that the applicable requirements can be checked.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Check MOM’s current guidance for a specific employer, project or worker.
The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services
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