GAY couple - dependent pass/LTVP??

[JR8]

I posted earlier this year saying that the Singapore High Comm in Australia had just issued it's first dependent pass for the non-working half of a same sex couple. So it can be done.

Of the top of my head establishing you are in a legally recognised relationship in your home country would seem like a required starting point.

[cjcamill]

I posted earlier this year saying that the Singapore High Comm in Australia had just issued it's first dependent pass for the non-working half of a same sex couple. So it can be done.

Of the top of my head establishing you are in a legally recognised relationship in your home country would seem like a required starting point.

I've been offered a role in Singapore I may be interested in taking up providing I can take my same-sex partner along with me. My employer had done some homework on it and told me the only option was for my partner to study in Singapore (which he doesn't want to do)

JR8, it seems my employer may have not dug deep enough. I done some searching and can't find your particular post about the Singapore High Commission action. Are you able to shed some light on this as I've also tried Googling it to no avail. Even a PM will suffice if you feel more comfortable doing this.

Such a useful thread! Thanks to the OP

[JR8]

I've been offered a role in Singapore I may be interested in taking up providing I can take my same-sex partner along with me. My employer had done some homework on it and told me the only option was for my partner to study in Singapore (which he doesn't want to do)

JR8, it seems my employer may have not dug deep enough. I done some searching and can't find your particular post about the Singapore High Commission action. Are you able to shed some light on this as I've also tried Googling it to no avail. Even a PM will suffice if you feel more comfortable doing this.

Such a useful thread! Thanks to the OP

Hi,

A couple of things I should say. The 'climate' on this board has changed somewhat since my previously referred post (June-Aug or so), in that another long-term poster, MadScientist, who gave a lot of interpretations of the rules, got taken out together with much of his post history. Presumably by the men-in-black or somesuch.

So my impression is that the rules are the rules and you interpret them as best as you are able. It is standard practise that no explanation is given if for example a visa application is refused. People who are on the sidelines giving helpful interpretations (for example here) of the rule-book put themselves in the firing line themselves. What I posted earlier was an anecdote in passing (albeit from an official source) that I thought might be of interest to some others, there is little or nothing to add to it over what I've just repeated.

Per your message. Yes I can imagine if your employer went and looked at the rule-book, then suggesting your partner get a student visa would seem perhaps the only route in. The immigration rule-book is not going to allow for same sex partners as long as homosexuality remains illegal (technically) though are they... Hence your route is unwritten.

I'd suggest either calling yr local Singaporean mission directly and asking them (you'd want to speak to the consul rather than some minion I think), or perhaps engaging a specialist immigration lawyer to act on your behalf. If you've a serious offer on the table, I think you might be wise to do the latter... (just my 2c)

Best of luck.

[sierra2469alpha]

I posted earlier this year saying that the Singapore High Comm in Australia had just issued it's first dependent pass for the non-working half of a same sex couple. So it can be done.

Of the top of my head establishing you are in a legally recognised relationship in your home country would seem like a required starting point.

JR8 - OK that's interesting...I might ask the question of the Aus HC here, as we have some potential staff in a similar situation. Thanks for the update. Mr. P.

[werder]

Hi there,
True to form, it is a mine field to find info on this subject in Singapore. I was told the same thing at the Singapore High Commission in London 3 years ago. This forum is probably watched anyway, so no written account as mentioned by a moderator. Word of mouth is probably the best . You can ask MOM the question 3 times and get 3 different answers depending of the person.
There is the EPEC now ( check MOM website ). One solution. You can pm me for more infos.
Good luck to everyone. Things are changing slowly.

[curzio159]

hello smartcard81,

Thanks for your post.
have you already moved to Singapore?
i'll be interested in sharing information so you can contact me at [email protected] if you will.

Cheers & A +
curzio

[jcport67]

Hello
From reading the above I went to http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/ftopic ... t=same+sex and posted a reply there as I am posting here. I am unable to PM on this site due to restrictions on my account being a newbie. So hopefully anyone on this forum with some information that may be helpful will contact me at [email protected].
I am in negotiations for a position in Singapore and would like to know the best option as far as the kind of visa I should negotiate and how important or beneficial it may be for me to form a business in Singapore so that my partner may be able to join me in Singapore. He and I are a discreet couple, and a lot of what I read about Singapore appeals to me but we want to find a way to get both of us over there. We are officially married in Massachusetts in the USA and our marriage has been officially registered in Portugal (I have dual citizenship including Portuguese citizenship)

[sundaymorningstaple]

If your union is a legally recognized, by law, marriage then I believe Singapore will recognize is as well, although it will not like it. Even if you are not in a legal relationship, if partnership can be verified, as you have noted, the is a provision to bring the partner over. Therefore, I would think, if the partnership is legal in the countries that it was entered into, Singapore will probably accept it and treat is as any other marriage. However, they may follow all the rest of the criteria to the letter in frustration.

[jcport67]

Thank you for your reply.
I also noted what you say at
http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/sutra527373.html
There you mentioned "Don't waste your time & money. The best you are going to be able to do..." and you mention what you think about getting a lawyer to help.

Would it be advisable then based on the above and the other post I just mentioned that I should (1) not bother with trying to find a lawyer and (2) just put in the paperwork for MOM for a DP for my partner? If they deny a DP do you think they will process a secondary application for a LTVP? I am thinking the best bet is just to apply with the MOM for a DP and if that does not work apply again for a LTVP. (And if that doesn't work then probably I need to not look for work in Singapore!)

By the way, I just had an interview with Human Resources in Singapore and they said they help out with paperwork for employment pass and DPs. When I told them I was in a same-sex relationship, they said they had never encountered a situation of someone in a same-sex relationship inquiring about DP for a partner. I was not surprised when they mentioned the best they could do was check with others in the HR department but that I might have to work on the visa for my partner on my own.

If anyone else has a different suggestion I hope you will post or pm me. Thanks again.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Your second paragraph would probably be the best way to go. And yes, the HR person was correct as "legal" same-sex marriages are rather new here so it's untested waters so to speak. But, again, getting a lawyer will not do anything except empty your coffers if they can and they will not guarantee a favourable outcome.

Your summation at the end of that same paragraph is also correct if you don't manage to get at least a LTVP. Unless, your partner can find a position and qualify for an EP in their own right.

[ClaraLara]

hi there I am in the same situtation if you please share your experiences with me?
Or are there any new ideas which is more promising, having a civil union or proving a common-law spouse?
trying to get a dp or a ltvp?

(have posted the question also in my own threat http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/sutra5 ... tml#588432 hope this is all right)

[APM]

Would it be advisable then based on the above and the other post I just mentioned that I should (1) not bother with trying to find a lawyer and (2) just put in the paperwork for MOM for a DP for my partner? If they deny a DP do you think they will process a secondary application for a LTVP? I am thinking the best bet is just to apply with the MOM for a DP and if that does not work apply again for a LTVP. (And if that doesn't work then probably I need to not look for work in Singapore!)

Hello jcport67 (if you are still reading this board) and hello everyone else,
I was just wondering if you did try to apply for a DP or a LTVP eventually?
And if yes what was the outcome? I am still considering to apply for a LTVP (or even better would be a DP) for my partner (to be sponsored by my company) but I still am not sure if anyone had recently been granted one under the same conditions.

Thank you.
And a good day to everyone.
APM

[smartcard81]

Hi everyone,

I hope that I can get updated info or good news on this forum. My partner now needs a visa...

So if anyone could provide reliable information on this topic, it could be great. You can write me at this email address: [email protected]

Thanks in advance for your help.

[MPL]

It's been 5 years since this thread started. Wonder if there are material changes to the situation. Any personal advice is much appreciated.

I received a job offer to work in Singapore. Again, I searched through this and many other forums and it seems like getting my same sex partner a Dependent Visa is still virtually impossible. Both of us are HK permanent residents and we entered into civil partnership last year in London (while I was on a short term assignment).

My partner is not any professional (graduated Form 5 under HK system) hence getting him an EP would be uber challenging. I am now considering applying a student visa for him but unsure of the probability of success and where to start. Alternatively, I am thinking to set up a company in Singapore however talking to some advisors, it requires a lot of steps including finding a PR to be the director of company (sweat).

I would need to make a decision in a week and would greatly appreciate if any of you can give me some personal advice/directions. In particular, down the student visa route (e.g. any schools or companies that may help in the application). My email is [email protected].

Many many many thanks. I feel absolutely lost. On one side, it is a great opportunity but on the other hand, I wouldn't want to live without my partner - we have gone through so much in the past 6 years. I am more inclined to turn down the offer for him given all the obstacles...

[nakatago]

we entered into civil partnership last year in London (while I was on a short term assignment).

Focus on this, as others have found a way after establishing that their partnership is legally recognized.

I vaguely recall someone here in the forums getting in through some way focusing on their legal union. Unfortunately, though, we could only speculate that he was somehow barred from divulging details. There is a chance for you but you'll just have to work extra hard for it to work.