PR Chances

[Voodoo]

I know PR is getting tougher. I'm looking to apply soon with my 10 yr old daughter. I'm a single Dad, Caucasian and my daughter is half Thai/half British. I've been running my own business here on EP the last 3 years, paying myself 250k and we have both been volunteering a couple of times a month. I'm first wondering if being a single father will go against me. I'm also wondering if selling my assets and moving them here would make a difference. Assets constitute enough to buy a penthouse condo outright. Any insights appreciated. Thanks

[smoulder]

Out of curiosity - why are you interested in a Singapore PR, enough to buy a property while incurring 60 percent ABSD?

[newsingaporeuser]

From reading the forum, it seems that being a single father by itself is insufficient information to really make a determination.
Based on your ethnic group alone, this forum indicates it would be tough for you.
I think the problem is that you are not competing against all other expats, you are competing against other Caucasian expats. And there are a significant number working the financial sector or tech where your salary is not exceptional.
Another question that hasn't been answered is how old you are. There is probably an age after which it becomes increasingly difficult to become PR, because you might take more from the system than you would contribute.
You run your own business, but is it a one man show or do you employ Singaporeans? And if you employ locals, how much do you pay them?
And referencing smoulder, I don't imagine buying a property after you have become PR would feature much in their calculations. If you bought a property prior (i.e. with the 60% ABSD) they might then think differently.

[Voodoo]

I'm 46 and currently it's just me in the Company. Looking to take on 2 locals shortly and pay them 4k a month each. Thanks for your thoughts.

[singaporeflyer]

I'm 46 and currently it's just me in the Company. Looking to take on 2 locals shortly and pay them 4k a month each. Thanks for your thoughts.

Not going to be easy mainly because of quota (major factor), then age.

[newsingaporeuser]

I'm 46 and currently it's just me in the Company. Looking to take on 2 locals shortly and pay them 4k a month each. Thanks for your thoughts.

It seems from the other comment here from a far more experienced poster that your chances are pretty limited.

However, the cost for applying is something like $100, so I guess there's no harm in trying. The worse they can do is say no. The best is they say yes.

[PNGMK]

I'd ask why bother?

[MOCHS]

Singapore still values nuclear families in the end. The prospects of a single parent getting PR isn’t high, let alone one from minority race.

[Voodoo]

Thanks for your thoughts on the matter.

[Addadude]

To Voodoo:

What is your total length of stay in SG? You mentioned been employed on an EP from your own business for the last 3 years. Is that your total length of your time here?

Essentially PR is a route to full citizenship and so the criteria for granting it revolve around the likelihood of you wanting to become a citizen.

If you've only been here for 3 years, from ICA's point of view, it is probably too soon. (Preferred race candidates, particularly those from Malaysia, can be the exceptions to this. Although we have seen some surprising rejections here.)

Next they will consider how well or likely you are to integrate and become a part of Singapore society. Contributing/volunteering for social causes doesn't count anymore as this was abused in the past. Buying a private property is equally meaningless to them. As a Caucasian, they may make the assumption that you are less likely to 'integrate' and may not be planning to hang around long term. As well as employing Singaporeans, does your business serve the local market or is most of it overseas? This is something they will also consider.

Bluntly, if you marry a local your chances will go up - but only after a sufficient length of time has passed to ensure that this is not a marriage of convenience. Producing cannon fodder for NS will also get you a good tick mark.

Unfortunately, your age will play against you: You are 46 now. You meet the (Singaporean) woman of your dreams tomorrow. You get married almost immediately. You will need 5 years of marriage under your belt (plus one or two Singaporean kids) to 'prove' that you are genuine about being part of Singapore society. That will take you to 51 or 52. Hmm...

To be very honest, I think you need a Plan B (as we are fond of saying here.)

[Max Headroom]

I think when you apply can be quite a critical factor. As in, how was Singapore doing when you arrived.

If you came to Singapore during SARS or some other black swan event that had the canary gasping, but you stuck around regardless, your PR odds may increase if and when you apply.

Conversely, now that Singapore's star has been rising, understandably, everybody and his mum wants PR. But now, the powers that be are more selective, and rightly so.