Work in Singapore

Today is 2011, it's been 3 years since I wrote this blog to help my fellow Filipinos. Beyond that, I don't have any intention why I started this blog. In those 3 years, there are lots of changes in Singapore with regards to foreign employment. While below suggestions will still work, it's still up to the government thru their agency, Ministy of Manpower, to approve the job applications by foreign candidates. As you all know, they are currently limiting the influx of foreign workers in the country. This will benefit their local citizens, though not a good news for foreign talents. Effective this July 2011, there are 2 new policies that will take effect, and will have huge impact on hiring foreign talents. Plus the strict immigration policy of the Philippines and Singapore.

There are various policies implemented by the Singapore government with regards to hiring foreign workers. This will directly affect us, leaving us small chance or no chance at all to land a job.

Please follow this guide with a great risk in mind. There are no guarantee for a job when you reach Singapore. Think several times before you decide and pursue your career here. Passing the immigration officer in the Philippines might be difficult, but finding a job here in Singapore is even more difficult.

This blog is a guide only, and doesn't assure you of any jobs. In the end, you're the one who will take the risk and decide what's best for you. If you have a great opportunity in the Philippines or in other country, better grab that opportunity than Singapore. Most of Filipinos coming here to look for a job are going home mostly unsuccessful. Be sure to accept that risk when you decide to come here and look for a job.

Singapore is one of the best destination for Filipinos seeking greener pastures. Top reason for working here is the higher salary compared in our country. It is located 3 hours away from the Philippines and air fare is ranging only from Php 3000 to Php 7000. Climate here is same as in our country so you don’t need to adjust.

How much can you earn here? If you are a degree holder of any course, you are entitled to earn a monthly income of SG$2000(exchange rate of SG$1=Php33.5) minimum. Salary has no limit and you can earn up to several thousands depending on your expertise and position. They have the branch of government called ‘Ministry of Manpower’ who sees to it that you are well compensated otherwise, they will not allow you to be employed. Salary also can vary depending on the company that will hire you and the degree that you have. Mostly IT personnel have the advantage of having the highest salary in all the fields. With this salary, for sure you can go back home every month.

How to go to Singapore? As mentioned earlier, air fare is ranging only from Php 3000 to Php 7000. Since Singapore is an ASEAN member country, you don’t need a visa. Passport and a plane ticket are that two things that you must have. There are 2 options that I will discuss on how to go to Singapore fast. First is by using a tourist pass. Once you are here, the immigration personnel will grant you 14 to 30 days pass to stay. In most cases, they will grant you 30 days. After that, you can ask for an extension for another 30 days for a total of almost 2 months. You can use that to look and apply for a job. Another option is by applying for a long term social visit pas or the EPEC. If you have this pass, you are allowed to stay in Singapore for a year to look and apply for a job. Applying for EPEC is online and free. However, there are only few accredited schools in the Philippines. Try this link to apply for an EPEC online CLICK HERE or visit the MOM website www.mom.gov.sg.

"Due to recent restrictions made by Philippine Immigration, all outgoing tourists are required to show invitation letter before they can go to Singapore. This is a big issue, and you must understand how to do the work around. First and foremost, if you have friends or relatives here in Singapore, ask for the invitation letter. It must be authenticated and stamped by our Philippine Embassy here in Singapore. And you have to pay $42 for it. With this letter, 100% the immigration won't question you. However, for those who don't have anyone who can give the letter, this is a big issue. It doesn't mean that if you don't have the letter, you can't come here to Singapore. You still have the chance I believe if you will follow my suggestion below.

Book a 2 way ticket with an interval of 3 to 5 days only. Why? Because the immigration will question you if you have more than a week of interval in your ticket. Take note also that in most cases, return tickets are never used. You won't know when are you coming back plus you have to rebook your flight if you want to extend your 30 days visit pass here. Bear in mind that you will go out as tourist, so you have pretend yourself to be a tourist. Don't ever show them your EPEC or In Principle Agreement if you have. They won't honor it, because the Singapore government issued it to you. I never guarantee any success rate on this scenario, but at least I give you a hint on how to do it. I am positive it will work..:-) Just keep your fingers crossed...."

How to apply jobs? Here in Singapore, jobs are posted 95% online. T"here are various web sites that you can check for available jobs. CLICK HERE to view available jobs. You may try visiting those sites and check if you're in demand here. All you need is a resume with attached photo. Although application is done online, you need to be here before you start emailing them or it will be wasted. They will entertain applicant who are in Singapore only.

How to work in Singapore? Unlike other countries, you are not binded by contract once you are working. You will receive same privileges and benefits as the local personnel. Probationary period is ranging from 3 months up to 6 months before you become a regular employee. There are different work passes that you can have depending on the salary. S Pass is given for workers with salary of SG$2000 up to SG$2999 while E Pass is given for workers with salary of SG$3000 upward.

Where to stay? How much is the cost of living? Etc…. I know you still have lots of questions. If you’re interested, proceed to part 2.

How to Work in Singapore Part 2

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If you are ready to go, read this FAQ first. CLICK HERE


Then visit this blog, How to Apply Jobs in Singapore.


CHECK AVAILABLE SINGAPORE JOBS HERE ---> Singapore Jobs

Visit my other blogs How to Work in Japan | How to Work in Canada | How to Work in Dubai

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