Work Permit for Mother Accompanying Child Studying in Spore

[maramom]

Hi, I'm a mother accompanying my teenage children in Singapore while they attend International School. I'm holding an LTVP (issued by ICA) for just that purpose. I would like to start working but I have some questions that even the customer service at MOM could not answer...

Here are the rules listed on MOM: (scroll to the bottom for "Parents accompanying a child...")
http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permit ... ued-by-ica

So MOM allows mothers to work after the first year under a special version of the Work Permit (WP). I was told by the MOM rep that this type of WP is not the same as an ordinary WP, as it is not restricted to any sector or any source country. However it is still subject to the quota and levy system.

Does anyone have any experience successfully getting this type of WP? I'm wondering whether it's even applicable to the position I want to get, or if it's only meant for low-level jobs. The MOM rep could not tell me if there is a salary cap or whatever.

Any thoughts on this?!

[sundaymorningstaple]

As long as it's not an objectionable job (named on the MOM page) you are not limited to only a WP. If you are qualified, the employer may also apply for an S or EP Pass. The following taken from the bottom of your linked page.

Alternatively, the employer can try to apply for an Employment Pass or S Pass for you. However these passes are usually harder to get than a work permit because they require higher educational qualifications and a high minimum salary.

You will note that they say nothing about a maximum salary.

[maramom]

Thanks for replying! Yes, I'm aware I can apply for an Employment Pass or S-Pass. My question is specifically about this special version of the Work Permit (with no sector or source country restrictions), as I fear that I may NOT qualify for an EP. Therefore, can my employer apply for this special WP for me- for the position of "Program Director" at a salary of $7500? Or will a position like that defenitely require an EP application?

[sundaymorningstaple]

That's a good question. S & EP passes are not industry restricted like WPs are. Therefore my reading would indicate that you should file for an EP or S pass. Applying for a WP with that kind of income would surely raise eyebrows at MOM as they would want to know WHY only apply for a WP when you would obviously be qualified for a position paying $7500/mo. No company, unless there is some fiddling going on, is going to pay that kind of money for someone who is patently not qualified for the position. I suspect if a WP were applied for with that kind of salary it may well warrant closer scrutiny by the MOM in their vetting process. Only thing I can say is go for it, but also have a plan B for backup.