Changing company twice in a year - Will E-Pass be given?

[Dunc79]

Hi All,

I wonder if anyone who has been in this situation can please advise?

I arrived in Singapore in September on an E-Pass but my employer went out of business in December and all four our staff including me were made redundant. I managed to find a new job very quickly and my E-pass was transferred to the new company, but the new job and company isn't really ideal for me and I want to start looking again for a more suitable position.

If I get a job offer elsewhere in the near future, this would mean my E-Pass being transferred for a second time within my first year in Singapore. Is there a risk it would be rejected this time around? My original E-pass was granted very quickly as I have good qualifications and a good degree, but I'm worried I may have to stay in this new job longer than would be ideal and I don't want to harm my CV for the long term.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Dunc.

[nutnut]

Employment passes are not transferred, they must be cancelled and reapplied for, the chance of getting one in a new company has many factors: You, the employer & the current political situation being the most notable. If anyone tells you definitely either way, then unless they are MOM officials they are guessing.

There is a good way to work around this though that may be of use depending on your salary and skill level - apply for a PEP, this will allow you flexibility to move from company to company without needing to apply each time. You do have some salary levels you need to adhere to though.

[Dunc79]

Many thanks for the advice.

So what happens then if I am working for my current employer and then apply for another job in another company but the work pass is declined?

Does my existing work pass (which is valid for another 7 months) get cancelled and I have to leave my existing job?

Or, does it continue as normal, meaning that maybe if I tried to move on again in another job in 5 or 6 months time that a new Epass application might be successful at that time?

Getting a PEP cannot be done as my salary is not enough.

Confusing!

[rdueej]

Many thanks for the advice.

So what happens then if I am working for my current employer and then apply for another job in another company but the work pass is declined?

Does my existing work pass (which is valid for another 7 months) get cancelled and I have to leave my existing job?

Or, does it continue as normal, meaning that maybe if I tried to move on again in another job in 5 or 6 months time that a new Epass application might be successful at that time?

Getting a PEP cannot be done as my salary is not enough.

Confusing!

Your new employer can apply for an employment pass before you quit your current job. If you get an approval for your new pass, you can turn in your old pass when collecting the new one. If you get denied a new EP, you can continue working with your old employer as long your existing pass is valid.

So it is best to not quit your current job until you have a new IPA in hand. However, employers can find out that you are looking to jump, since they can see if you have any work pass application pending.