Government Jobs without PR?

[slayerk2000]

Hi all,

I just came to Singapore a little over a month ago from Ireland and have a question about government jobs, and this looks like the place to ask it..nice to meet you all!

I understand that currently the government isn't giving out EPs that much, but some friends have told me that the government donesn't take on non-PRs/non-Singaporeans full stop. Do you guys know if this is the case or know of cases where people have gotten in?

I'm not talking about jobs like the Director of Public Health or high positions like that, but jobs in general.. Thanks for your time and input.

[ecureilx]

I understand that currently the government isn't giving out EPs that much, but some friends have told me that the government donesn't take on non-PRs/non-Singaporeans full stop. Do you guys know if this is the case or know of cases where people have gotten in?

Government agencies do recruit foreigners, but your long term stay/employment depends upon their requests to convert to PR and move to Citizenship ..

Of course, if you are looking for govt jobs like Immigration / Police and the like .. in 2 words - forget it .. unless you are singaporean ..

PS: I may be wrong .. though .. above is from my own experience ..

[slayerk2000]

Thanks ecureilx for that, I presumed so too.. However, I just got a rejection email from Health Promotions Board for a job basically requiring you to be good in English and a have business background.

I somehow feel my credentials were good enough but only failed in the PR hurdle.. It was a 'only shortlisted candidates will be notified' deal so I wonder did my application get through and reached someone in the office who rejected it based on the PR thing. They could have just ignored me and not sent anything right? (and this is me being very presumptious )

[ecureilx]

Thanks ecureilx for that, I presumed so too.. However, I just got a rejection email from Health Promotions Board for a job basically requiring you to be good in English and a have business background.

I somehow feel my credentials were good enough but only failed in the PR hurdle.. It was a 'only shortlisted candidates will be notified' deal so I wonder did my application get through and reached someone in the office who rejected it based on the PR thing. They could have just ignored me and not sent anything right? (and this is me being very presumptious )

Errr ... why would the Irish guy have problem with English ?? Or you forgot to mention that you are not irish ??:? And unless you are insinuating something, I can vouch with the impartial treatment HPB offers, from one my own ex-housemate working in HPB, .. and add to it, her own co-workers were from all over the world .. and not many were PR or Citizen ..

And as I writing this, a government body is virtually falling over, for a guy, who is a PhD, to be the deputy head of that govt body, and the guy is still living in UK .. in Singapore, talent is spotted and taken care of ..

And unless you are into highly senstivie areas, like Mindef of MHA, where only Singaporeans are in - there is no reason why they will treat you bad ..

I believe Either You didn't make the cut, so that's it

Or the job required PR/Citizen, due to other issues, and you didn't read JD - which of it is true - I don't know ..

[sundaymorningstaple]

Often we have higher impression of ourselves that others do. The problem is often one of presentation. If you are sure you were what they were looking for, then you might want to have another look at your CV to ensure you are putting your qualification in the best possible light.

As far as the government replying to you even though you were not shortlisted, you will find that a lot of government agencies do this today in their quest for higher standards of "service".

[slayerk2000]

Thanks guys for your opinions and input/insight. Duly noted, I'll revise my CV, but good to know some gov jobs don't need to be SG/PR.

Ecureilx, if you don't mind me asking, were your friends who are in the HPB of the higher qualified/high salary individuals? (Please ignore if it's taboo to ask such questions in Singapore and accept my apologies!)

Thanks again..

[slayerk2000]

[quote="ecureilx] And as I writing this, a government body is virtually falling over, for a guy, who is a PhD, to be the deputy head of that govt body, and the guy is still living in UK .. in Singapore, talent is spotted and taken care of ..
[/quote]

I understand they would do they for people of that calibre, as I'm sure they would operate like a MNC when poaching people.


On another note, does anyone know how the recruitment process goes for govt. agencies? Do they wait for all applicants til the deadline date and then pick from the shortlist? or is it a first come first served basis?

[ecureilx]

..

To sum up the replies:

Define 'higher qualified/high salary individuals' ? ?:

Well, to be honest, not many are comfortable discussing salaries, except those from certain countries where salaries and scales are the main topic at the coffee corner, after the 'remittance' rates .. followed by where to get the best native food, and who is coming from home to bring some cooked food etc ...

And on with your question, no, my contacts are not the HODs', or Big Chiefs there in HPB .. and let's stop it at that ..

And about your question on the guy being headhunted, this is Singapore Inc. so everything runs like a business, though some may barge in to dispute it ..

And about how they sort out or decide ? well, maybe SMS can enlighten that part

over and out ..

[slayerk2000]

Define 'higher qualified/high salary individuals' ? ?:

And on with your question, no, my contacts are not the HODs', or Big Chiefs there in HPB .. and let's stop it at that ..

I think that question just answered itself..

I wasn't really after their salaries but because the job I applied for was quite 'entry level', I thought maybe the reason your contacts and her many co-workers (who aren't PRs) were hired because they were highly qualified with many years of experience in the same field.

Glad to know they're not only after head-honchos!

[Strong Eagle]

Hi all,

I just came to Singapore a little over a month ago from Ireland and have a question about government jobs, and this looks like the place to ask it..nice to meet you all!

I understand that currently the government isn't giving out EPs that much, but some friends have told me that the government donesn't take on non-PRs/non-Singaporeans full stop. Do you guys know if this is the case or know of cases where people have gotten in?

I'm not talking about jobs like the Director of Public Health or high positions like that, but jobs in general.. Thanks for your time and input.

Although most gahmen websites don't specify PR/SGC, in this climate I'd be surprised if anyone but that is hired. The exceptions would be for the higher level, high tech skilled positions where it might be necessary to go outside for talent... for example, the IDA seeking technical specialists in island wide network infrastructure development. I don't think you have a chance at entry level.

[ecureilx]

for example, the IDA seeking technical specialists in island wide network infrastructure development. I don't think you have a chance at entry level.

Reminds me of a guy I met, who was looking for 'any' job, like gardening, housekeeping, or even taking care of stuff .. running errands .. etc. .. and when I reminded him that there are no passes for such 'multi purpose' workers .. he went like "this is a bloody lousy country, in Australia .. '

Well. Well ...

[slayerk2000]

I can see the trend in Singapore is catching up with 'the West'.. In Ireland, new work permits are virtually non-existent. Even heard of a company that wanted to get a foreigner in on a salary based permit (i.e. one that requires his wage to be over 80,000 euro or so) and couldn't get it.. Do they not realise they get over 30k in taxes per year if they let this ONE person in? No wonder the country has gone to the shits...

Anyways, thank you all for your insights.

[ecureilx]

I can see the trend in Singapore is catching up with 'the West'..

I thought Singapore caught up with the West long time ago

[sundaymorningstaple]

Sounds like you've swallowed the PAP crap hook, line & sinker. In fact, you almost sound like a gubmint mole.

[slayerk2000]

Although most gahmen websites don't specify PR/SGC, in this climate I'd be surprised if anyone but that is hired.

Just a little update.. I've applied for around 6 different government jobs [diff. depts/positions) (just to test them out) last week and got rejection notices on all of them at the same time on Sunday at 6.21 am. It could be my experiences and skills aren't what they're looking for but I really think they have a screener on non Singaporeans, as I can't see how they have automated replies coming at the same time.

Could Jobstreet have anything to do with it?

Would there be a change around in this ''unequal opportunities'' attitude after the election? (sorry, just saw this particular question being discussed in another thread)