Applying both EP & Spass through "watchlisted" company

[fwnz1278]

I'm currently working in Singapore and got a new job offer from another company. My new company applied both EP & Spass for me in June, saying that MOM will decide which visa would be given. Soon the company found that they became on the watchlist, so now I've been waiting for the result for past 3 months and still no update from my company. I'm constantly checking my visa status online and until yesterday it said "employment pass - pending." Today I found the status changed to "Spass - Withdrawn"

Does anybody have the similar experience with me? I think there's no meaning for the company to withdraw my spass apply since anyway they should not have spass quota anymore as being on watchlist.

I'm also curious that if there is any case that anyone was totally rejected and couldn't get EP visa because the company is watchlisted.

[ecureilx]

I'm currently working in Singapore and got a new job offer from another company. My new company applied both EP & Spass for me in June, saying that MOM will decide which visa would be given. Soon the company found that they became on the watchlist, so now I've been waiting for the result for past 3 months and still no update from my company. I'm constantly checking my visa status online and until yesterday it said "employment pass - pending." Today I found the status changed to "Spass - Withdrawn"

Does anybody have the similar experience with me? I think there's no meaning for the company to withdraw my spass apply since anyway they should not have spass quota anymore as being on watchlist.

I'm also curious that if there is any case that anyone was totally rejected and couldn't get EP visa because the company is watchlisted.

How do you know this company is on watch list ?

Secondly, try another employer, if the company is being watched.

[sundaymorningstaple]

On a watchlist for what exactly? There are lots of lists. Anyway, by withdrawing your application, it allows you to persue other employers unimpeded. If they were on a watchlist for Visa violations, then they did the right thing by withdrawing their application. I shouldn't continue to worry about that employer, but make haste trying to find another.

[fwnz1278]

It's on watchlist for unfair employment practice. Spass is withdrawn but I think the company is still applying for EP.

[sundaymorningstaple]

It's on watchlist for unfair employment practice. Spass is withdrawn but I think the company is still applying for EP.

If the company applied for both, the EP is tested first (the EP application has box to be selected if the employer/potential would like to try for an S pass if the EP is unsuccessful). If the employer makes an application for an EP and does NOT select that box, if you fail to get an EP you cannot apply again for the S pass.

Therefore, your application for EP was rejected and you were vetted for the S pass. Sadly, it would seem that the company has had previous run-ins with MOM for cheating with S passes is my guess. I'd say it's time to look for another company before your SVP runs out.