Which work permit for setting up and dismantling a design stand for a communication event.

[DeVille]

Hi,

We're a French company and we have to set up a large stand under which a new car from a German manufacturer will be presented.

From what I understand, we can't be in the "Work Pass Exempt activities" category because for "Exhibitions" and "Seminars and conferences" categories it says

"This exemption does not apply to the following, for which a work pass is needed:
Providing peripheral services for the event (e.g. cleaning and catering services); or setting up, maintaining, repairing and dismantling the exhibition sites or booths."

So I think we need either the "S Pass" or the "Work Permit for migrant worker". The problem is that employees earn less than 3 150 $/month, they are closer to 2 000 $/month so I think we have to take the "Work Permit for migrant worker" where there are no earning constraints.

The problem is that you have to choose one of the following sectors of activity:

• Construction
  Manufacturing
  Marine shipyard
  Process
  Services

None of these sectors seems to include the activity of setting up a design work to serve as a stand, a bit like an arch, under which a new car will be presented. This corresponds to the activity "setting up, maintaining, repairing and dismantling the exhibition sites or booths" I think.

I'd say the "Construction" sector would be the best match, but
it says on the MOM website that:

"You can only hire migrant workers who satisfy the conditions for source countries or regions, age when applying and maximum period of employment."

"Source countries or regions
You can employ migrant workers from these countries or regions:
Malaysia
People's Republic of China (PRC)
Non-traditional sources (NTS):
India
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Bangladesh
Myanmar
Philippines
North Asian sources (NAS):
Hong Kong (HKSAR passport)
Macau
South Korea
Taiwan"

Which would mean that we can't hire French employees to do this work ?

Do you think my reasoning is correct?
If so, do you have any ideas on what I can do to solve this problem?

Thank you for reading this far, and thank you to anyone who can help me.

Best regards,
DeVille

[jalanjalan]

Why not hire a local contractor to do it?

[DeVille]

Hello,

we are actually considering it!

Do you think i can ask directly to the Singapore MOM on their website ?
Do you think they will answer if i asked them ?

Thank you!

[jalanjalan]

Unless your core business is exhibition services, there's no point doing direct hires. You'd have to source, recruit, train, supervise and adhere to all the regulatory conditions including WHS. For a one off project that would be a major hassle for cost, time and liability. Much easier to get a contractor to take care of all that for you. Call around and get quotes for what you want. Pre-CNY tends to be a busy busy time so if you need it fast better start calling.

[abbby]

Agree outsourcing would be easier...

[DeVille]

Hi,

thank you very much for you answers.

So a local contractor may be the best option.

I also have been told that the company that handles the event
may have a local antenna in Singapore. It may be possible that
this company can provide work permit for foreign employees.

But that raises the question :
-> can this company can actually legally do it or it is just hearsay.
-> Even if it can, it is going to be time consuming and it would put it
under responsability if it does not work on time, so there is very few interest
for this company to do it.

After reading again a lot of the MOM web site, i really wonder,
if there is a way for foreign occidental employees to mount stand
in Singapore except maybe obtaining a "S Pass" but it would mean
employees have to earn more than 3 150$ month which is not the case.
So i believe this is a dead end.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Let's put it another way. Singapore government is loath to make exceptions or set precedents as it will be then abused or used against them in the future. Best thing you can do is subcontract exhibition construction, mobilization and removal to a local company so you don't run afoul of the law. It will be cheaper and easier in the short and long term.

[DeVille]

Ok,
that is invaluable information.
We have made contact with a organisation that can
put us in contact with local contractor, and help them
(and us) putting up a viable solution for our project.

Thank you very much, great forum.
Denis V.