Crushing under Uncertainties

[sundaymorningstaple]

Now, we had rung up the previous employer and apologized on the sudden withdrawal along with a formal written email. If fact the withdrawal was due to the knowledge of knowing some false claims made by the company to MOM to secure passes. Feeling uncomfortable and of course coupled by a better and secure offer the reason given was unforeseen circumstances.

The problem is, the previous employer has applied the S-pass manually. Today, it has been barely 2 weeks and no approval has been given by MOM (no records found from the website). So my question is:

1. Should we highlight this matter to the agent?
2. How does MOM gonna deal with this?
3. As in our position, what could we do to expedite the process?

*Analyst is seeking enlightenment.

First of all, there is no need to lie to the first employer. You don't think that things like this don't happen every day? I would have just told them that you found a better offer. Who knows, they might have sweetened the pot.

Anyway. With a manual submission this tends to get held up until MOM actually sits down and keys it into the system. You might be well advised to notify both the agent and MOM that the initial submission was a manual submission. It would help if you have already had a FIN number assigned but it's possible that that hasn't taken place yet as it general won't be issued until the application data has been keyed into the system.

The only other way I can think of at the moment is to ask for a copy of the withdrawal letter that the first employer sent to MOM asking for withdrawal of the first application.

sms

[analyst]

Withdrawal of application is done by the employer as far as I am concern. At least that was my conversation with MOM. We will highlight the problem to the previous employer and agent on the withdrawal.

I hope the previous employer doesnt go around playing tricks and bad mouth to MOM. Another painful wait. We are in the midst of awaiting the agent to contact us.

Noted with thanks SMS.

[analyst]

After being in Singapore for 5 months, I hope to contribute some anecdotal experience to forumers here. It has been a roller coaster ride since Oct 2009. Both of us are now having a comfortable life and pushing up our savings.

A few points for people seeking job in Singapore.

1. Election database has been updated (according to my Singaporean colleagues) and therefore election is around the corner. The government will take heed of the locals incessant complain about foreigners presence in Singapore.

2. Based on the recent election budget passed, if you're looking for a job in the S-pass category or work permit, you're very vulnerable to MOM rejection. In fact, employer will think twice before hiring. Effective July 1, foreign workers levy will be enforced. A clearer picture will surface then.

3. For those who have a long term plan in Singapore and eventually take up PR, be sure to contribute your share to the country. Currently, the fine line which segregates benefits of PR and citizen has been wider. Education, employment and housing policies are some example of the distinction. Surely, the government is trying to calm the locals down. PR approval has dropped by almost 20k YoY. that's about 25% (offhand)

4. This is based on personal experience and may serve as a guideline for future potential job seekers. My gf is currently in Singapore on a Work Permit pass. When she collected her work permit from MOM, she was given a letter that she doesnt need permission from MOM to marry SPR or Sg citizen.

5. Rents in HDB ranges from $450 to 600$ for couples seeking rent in a common room. Agent fees cost around $250 and deposit of a month is required. Spouses must be PRs to buy HDB. HDB Grant only available to Singaporeans with income ceiling not above 8k combined.

6. There are plenty of jobs available in Sg. Remember that employer gets monetary 'credit' for hiring locals and SPR. Hence, most jobs prefer PR or Citizen. Whilst there are plenty of jobs available, one must understand Sg greatest asset is the work force. You are not only competing handicapped with the locals but on a par level, with the thousands of foreigners that are trying to get in.

7. Singaporeans dont queue while trying to get into MRT but they do when boarding the bus. They dont wait for commuters to alight from both MRT and bus. Strange enough.

8. Singapore Airlines is the best airline as far as I am concern and the locals take pride of it. Changi Airport is the best airport that the locals visit for leisure purposes.

9. Cycling is very encouraged in Tampines as they have widened the road.

10. Singapore is participating in Earth Hour, today!.

11. Education is very stressful for the young ones.

12. Jackie Chan just bought $10m condos in CBD area.

13. Marina Bay is the upcoming buzz that is foresee to steal the limelight from Orchard. In fact property prices ranges from 2000 - 3000 psf. International buyers keep speculating on property prices. Recently, a Taiwanese coupled paid record price $650k for a HDB flat. If this trend continues, PR will only get more jeers from locals.

14. If you're planning to get a car in Sg, bad news. COE just shot up by approx 10 - 14k in the open category. This will indirectly increase car prices by almost 20%.

15. Any good or bad news concerning Sg, locals will direct the attention to foreigners. Bad being because of the presence of foreigners. Good news will imply government trying to propel this red dot country to the best in everything which is unnecessary.

That sums up my anecdotal experience in Singapore for the past 5 months. And I hope I share a fair experience to everyone reading. I thank this forum for assisting me during my roller coaster days and I hope to contribute going forward as I acquire more experience staying, working and living in Singapore!

It's an endless battle if youre wondering, living in Sg.

[sundaymorningstaple]

analyst,

It's good to hear that a satisfactory conclusion was obtained in your convoluted case. I'm sad that your gf did not get an S or Q pass but glad that MOM has already issued you will a letter of no objection to marry. That has to alleviate a heck of a lot of pressure off of the both of you. I look forward to your continued participation here.

sms

[analyst]

Updates on MOM website.

The following link will give a foresight to foreigners looking for jobs in Singapore.

http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/ ... tions.aspx

I wish to highlight the following points by MOM:-

Recognised qualifications
To be considered for an Employment Pass, a foreigner must have a fixed monthly salary of at least $2,500, and possess acceptable degrees, professional qualifications or specialist skills. MOM evaluates each application and qualification on its own merit, based on a wide range of criteria including:

* Global and country institution rankings by independent accreditation boards
* Hiring history by top companies in Singapore
* Validation by HR consultants in listed countries
* Employment outcome of the institution's graduates
* The institution's enrollment standards.


It has been more comprehensive and granular compared to 10 months back when I applied to work here.

Also do visit the new iSubmit services by MOM.

http://www.mom.gov.sg/services-forms/Pages/isubmit.aspx

This facilitates updating MOM either through employer or employee (if personal particulars).

Cheers!