EP renewal rejected

[pilotmoon]

Hi everyone

My ep renewal application got rejected, and I and my employer were very surprised this happened. I have been in Singapore for 3 years, all this time with the same employer. This is my 3rd ep renewal and I never had problems with previous renewals. Any inputs on the possibility of success or whar approach we should take on the appeal? Should we write a letter, or go to MOM personally?

Thank you in advance for feedback .

[pilotmoon]

Forgot to say that no reason was given for the rejection

[sundaymorningstaple]

Were you on an S pass? I've had several S pass holders who have been dumped on renewals. Appeals haven't done any good as apparently they are being stricter on the "qualifications" and the availability of locals with similar skillsets/experience. That's going to happen across all industries as the local universities start pumping out new graduates with new degrees in new skillsets. EP's are for foreigners to come here a fill gaps in the Knowledge arena until sufficient locals have been trained. If you are doing your job correctly, and imparting knowledge to the local workforce, you will naturally train yourself out of a job. If you are not, then you aren't doing what you are hired to do. (in MOM's eyes - not the employer's).

Sadly -

[pilotmoon]

nope, i am on a P2 pass. What is the best way to appeal this?

[pilotmoon]

We feel there is nothing wrong with my credentials, as my P2 pass have been approved 3 times previously (original plus 2 renewals) and my salary has increased every year.

[sundaymorningstaple]

All the problems that most are experiencing recently from PR approvals to EP applications & renewals are primarily due to the locals perceptions that foreigners are taking their jobs. Until the elections next year are over, the gahmen have to look to be taking care of the locals. You HR is correct in their assessment.

However, it makes no difference how much your employer wants you, if the gahmen feels they don't need you. An appeal might fly if you have something new to offer. but if you have been here three years and haven't trained anybody or contributed anything other than doing your job, then you might have a slight problem. What to put into the appeal? I don't have a clue. That's up to your HR to suss out.

[pilotmoon]

Thanks for your reply SMS, it has given me some insight at least. Do you think going there to personally talk to an officer is going to help?

[sundaymorningstaple]

Probably wouldn't hurt. Be sure to take a letter from your employer as well to support your story (actually, it would probably be good for HR to accompany you.) Occasionally they do make a mistake. I've heard of an officer taking a single look at a file and indicating that it should have been renewed and sorted it out immediately. So, yeah, it wouldn't hurt.

[Mad Scientist]

Thanks for your reply SMS, it has given me some insight at least. Do you think going there to personally talk to an officer is going to help?

Just to add on what SMS said, we , well me and my HR went to MOM two years back for one of my manager, as it is too great a loss if not approve
What we did b4 that is to check the ratio between local, foreigner quota, business plan, future expansion on hiring staff, all our audited accounts for the past three years. Make a copy for them to keep
For the applicant , bring all necessarry documents that may tilt the balance to you.
Basically do it as you mean it and I find it MOM is reasonable enough if they see that if by losing you it will disrupt your company operation, they will grant it. So it all depends on your company to go for it.
Basically full battle order and ready for war in the scheme of things.

[pilotmoon]

Thanks for the feedback you guys. My company thankfully, is going forward with the appeal. I have letters of recommendations from my manager and director, as well as details of my full job responsibilities and tasks , which quite honestly, was not put into detail in the first application. The appeal has now been submitted, and if we dont hear back soon or get a favorable response, then we are planning to go to MOM personally. I hope it doesnt come to that
My boss said I should not worry too much, as they will do everything possible. If necessary, he said I can take a vacation/break for a couple months, then try again later on. Im wondering if you guys know what are the chances for approval if I make a new application few months from now?

[sundaymorningstaple]

Probably not good. Especially if your renewal appeal isn't approved. At least until after the elections (whenever they are!) However, I've got a strong feeling that an appeal will do the trick or a visit to MOM if it doesn't will have it all come good.

[pilotmoon]

Thanks SMS and MS. I will update this post with details when I get the result. Hopefully, my experience can help someone else later on

[pilotmoon]

Just had a thought. Do you suppose changing the pass type to a lower one (P2 to Q1) can help?

[sundaymorningstaple]

Nope. Makes not an iota of difference. If they want to downgrade your pass they will do so without even asking you. Asdracles, one of our regulars here, just has that done to him several months ago on his renewal.

[pilotmoon]

Nope. Makes not an iota of difference. If they want to downgrade your pass they will do so without even asking you. Asdracles, one of our regulars here, just has that done to him several months ago on his renewal.

Ok it makes sense ...
I guess I just wait for my appeal results, and at the same time, get all my documents in order and prepare for possibility of having to go there with my boss to appeal in person. I know im not the only person in this kind of situation, but boy, it sure sucks being in limbo.

One thing I regret is, while I was here, I was long since planning to pursue graduate studies, but I kept putting it off mostly because of workload. When I get my EP approved (hopefully ), I'm going to apply for post grad course and beef up my credentials