Can a PEP be issued/obtained before any kind of employment?

[arian]

I wonder if someone could be kind enough to help me as having gone read many various websites relating to Singapore Visa/Pass requirements and eligibility inc. the MOM one, I am getting really confused with the whole EP & PEP process.

From my understanding you need to some form of employment lined up before a EP can be issued? Is that the same with a PEP? My understanding from what I've read is 'yes' you do. However, a friend of mine now living and working in Singapore managed to obtain a PEP PRIOR to moving to Singapore (in Sep '08) and WITHOUT securing a job first (in fact she didn't secure a job until about 6mths after taking up residence in Singapore).

Does any one know the exact in's and out's of the 'rules' of being granted a PEP, in particular even if you haven't secured a job before moving to Singapore.

Thanks all in advance

[sundaymorningstaple]

Yes, you can possibly get a PEP without having ever been to Singapore. You would have to be able to provide documentary proof of your previous salary being at least equal to SGD 7000/mo (basic salary) and this must not be older than 6 months from date of application.

[arian]

Thanks ever so much for your prompt response.

With regards to the basic salary (i'm assuming 'Basic' meaning BEFORE any tax deductions?) I did a quick calc and 7,000.00 SGD = 3,018 GBP monthly.....is that right? As if so, my monthly basic here in the UK (before tax) is only £2,500, so on paper in that respect I am looking to be slightly 'under'.

However, having said that on an annual basis I earn £30,000 basic (which = 12,935 SGD) plus I get £4,000 (1,724 SGD) car allowance, so surley that would account for eligability, would it not? And I have a BSc (Hons) Degree in Technology Management with nearly 15 years Business Marketing experience with local and global blue chip companies.

I'm just trying to ascertain my chances with this whole PEP application.

Once again thanks in advance for any responses to the above query

[Strong Eagle]

What it says on the MOM website is this:

"Overseas foreign professional whose last drawn fixed monthly salary overseas was at least $7,000
• The last drawn fixed monthly salary overseas should be no more than six months from the time of the application. "

http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal ... _pass.html

Not being mind readers, and having an inkling of how MOM thinks, we surmise that if they meant 'total income' they would have used those words.

But, we don't know for sure and I would advise you to contact MOM and pose your question to them... maybe more than once... by phone and email to check consistency of answers, then please let us know what they say... it could be of use to others in similar circumstances.

[arian]

Thank you for your reply back. To be honest it is all pretty confusing not to mention misleading, so I would be extremely interested if there are any other people out there who have:

a) applied for a PEP PRIOR to securing any kind of employment before they relocated to Singapore AND/OR

b) if anyone faced the same issue regarding their basic monthly salary being slightly lower than the stated 7,000 SGD BUT their basic annual salary equated to at least 30,000 SGD (or more), as per what is stated on MOM website.

In the meantime I might just try and contact them directly to try and get to the bottom of this.

Thanks

[sundaymorningstaple]

From the knowledge I have accumulated as an HR manager of a large SME (200+ staff), I can safely say that they do not care what your annualized salary amounts to. The want to see you salary slip as noted previously, which clearly states a minimum salary that is "at least" SGD 7000/mo. The line had to be drawn somewhere and that's where they drew it. Think about it. Where should it be made? $6,890? the the guy comes along an says, "well, mines $6,700 so that should be close enough. And so on, and so on.....

The 'bottom line' is a MINIMUM of $7000/mo BASIC salary. (Note that that is basic salary and not basic take-home pay). If you make AT LEAST that much and have the documentary proof, e.g., salary vouchers showing same and not longer than 6 months from the date of application (does not mean 6.5 months - but 3 months are okay).

Please, do not read between the lines. The government here is very good at saying exacttly what they mean. They adhere to a certain set of guidelines and an earthquake will not budge them. You might think you are special, but they think you are just one of 1000's who all want to come to Singapore because the think it's soo nice.

Good luck. You are gonna need it.

[Strong Eagle]

if anyone faced the same issue regarding their basic monthly salary being slightly lower than the stated 7,000 SGD BUT their basic annual salary equated to at least 30,000 SGD (or more), as per what is stated on MOM website.

They are not going to budge off the $7000 figure. That is the minimum amount for a P1 pass, and the PEP requirement. They _may_ have a conversation with you about what can be used to meet the $7000 requirement but they are not going to change the requirement.

The $30,000 is $2,500 per month and the absolute smallest amount that can be earned to keep an EP, Q1 level. They will not give a PEP to someone at the Q1 level to someone trying to come in... they will only give a PEP at the P1 level as demonstrated by the $7000 income level.

[arian]

[arian]

From the knowledge I have accumulated as an HR manager of a large SME (200+ staff), I can safely say that they do not care what your annualized salary amounts to. The want to see you salary slip as noted previously, which clearly states a minimum salary that is "at least" SGD 7000/mo. The line had to be drawn somewhere and that's where they drew it. Think about it. Where should it be made? $6,890? the the guy comes along an says, "well, mines $6,700 so that should be close enough. And so on, and so on.....

The 'bottom line' is a MINIMUM of $7000/mo BASIC salary. (Note that that is basic salary and not basic take-home pay). If you make AT LEAST that much and have the documentary proof, e.g., salary vouchers showing same and not longer than 6 months from the date of application (does not mean 6.5 months - but 3 months are okay).

Please, do not read between the lines. The government here is very good at saying exacttly what they mean. They adhere to a certain set of guidelines and an earthquake will not budge them. You might think you are special, but they think you are just one of 1000's who all want to come to Singapore because the think it's soo nice.

Good luck. You are gonna need it.

Appreciate your overview on the matter at some of the points raised but regret to say that your choice of words certainly needs to be addressed. My relocation plans have nothing whatsoever to do about me thinking that I'm 'special' or that I think Singapore is 'so nice'. I have my brother and sister both living out there and moving due to family reasons, so what that has to do with either of your opinions is totally irrelevant.

[sundaymorningstaple]

And your choice is any better? Hope you don't walk into MOM with your attitude. You wont even get to an interview.

As I said before, Good luck - you're gonna need it.