Travelling on a copy of Approval letter

[Shank]

Hello everybody,

I have a question on my travel to Singapore with just a copy of my in-principle approval letter.

I have been offered a job by a Singapore company. They have emailed me a scanned copy of approval letter which also mentions that a single entry visa has been approved for me. I am supposed to carry a printout of this approval letter to Singapore and someone from the "meeting services" (whatever that is) will give me an original letter at the immigration in Singapore using which I can enter the country. My company will then get my medical tests done and then get the EP formally endorsed on my passport.

Has anybody done something like this? Is it safe? I am short on time so I cannot wait till they courier me the original approval letter which I can carry with me.

Awaiting for your replies and insights into this issue.

Thank You,
Shank

[Strong Eagle]

Where are you coming from?

[Guest]

Hi Strong Eagle,

I am coming from India and work in IT industry.

[fimbles]

that's seems very long winded to me, i wouldn't do that, i've had bad experience with the immigartion services here in singapore, they don't kid around, trust me, they're tough and go by the book. why not stay back a couple of more days till you get the original letter? no offense but especially with all the workers coming from India, they won't try to get to know you and if you stumble on some hard to deal with officer, you'll be on your way out before dawn...

[Guest]

I used to work for Meeting Services at Changi Airport and apart from going into restricted area (i.e the gangway) to present VIPs with flowers, and escorting loved outs out to anxious relatives waiting outside etc, the bulk of our work involved handing over entrance visas to workers and tourists before they cleared immigration.

It's not dodgy or illegal and many companies do this on a regular basis with even planefulls of workers and tourists coming in at any one time.

What Meeting Services will do is meet you the moment you step out of the plane with a huge signboard with your name on it and escort you to immigration, where they will hand you your original documents.

After which they will cross over immigration via the staff entrance, leave you to clear immigration and depending on what the company has instructed, meet you on the other side, and escort you right out until you collect your luggage and step out of the arrival hall.

However should there be any problems with the documents they are only able to make phonecalls back to their booth and perhaps get in touch with the specific person who has booked them on that particular job.

The Meeting Services is run by The Harilela Hotel Group (Previously owned and run by the Oberoi Hotel Group) and you can find out more information here:


http://www.changi.airport.com.sg/changi ... 4545394806

[Shank]

Thank you everybody for your time and posting all the information. I really appreciate that. Although I have visited quite a few countries in my career, this is my first time to Singapore. I am glad to know that people out there are helpful.

I have to take a decision very quickly on this. Not sure about it now.

Anyway, I will post my experience once I reach Singapore.

Thanks again,
Shank