Worried about getting your EP renewed?

[Snowfly]

My EP is up for renewal this August, and with all the pro-local employment sentiment being bandied about these days pre-election, I'm a little anxious that I'll be asked to pack up and leave if any new policies fall into place.

Maybe it's just my paranoia speaking, but I'm not particularly special at what I do and can easily be replaced by a local anytime, and at a lower wage at that. I've been paying for a condo back in Manila for over a year now at SGD2,000 a month, there's no way I can fork up that kind of cash with an art job in my hometown. Worst case, I'd have to forfeit the property and there goes my safety blanket

Obvious course of action for me is to start formulating a back up plan, which I will. Just wanted to know if anyone else on here feels the same, or if my fears are completely unfounded!

[sundaymorningstaple]

You are feeling exactly like the majority of expats here. We ALL know where you are coming from. Only thing to do, is what you've already mentioned. Formulate some sort of safety blanket/alternate plan or get ready to bite the bullet.

Having said that bit, I personally don't feel anything will happen all that drastic, but there will be more tightening up and some heads will roll but I think that's a given as the government has realized that they have been just a little tooo free with entry requirement during the last 7-10 years.

[33sierra291]

Hi sundaymorningstaple

I have a request of you. Would you be able to pm me?
I am new and cannot pm.

[sundaymorningstaple]

What good will that do? What am I supposed to PM you for?

[33sierra291]

i am doing some research stuff on appeals. I am interested in your views as I can see that you are an active moderator for this site.

[calvink]

I personally would not think its going to be so drastic that foreigners would have to pack their bags and leave all the jobs to local. In fact, I think the company will suffer if no locals are helming the responsibities to produce enough growth for the company and subsequently the economy as a whole.

The consequences are definitely severed if they...the policies of eliminating foreigners are substantial without having enough pool of locals to take over. Am sure after GE, stricter criterias will be in. Personally as a 'neighbour', I do symphatize the locals' plights. Employers are always on the look-out to be cost efficient..either you got replaced or retrenched and the constant 'perception' foreigners are doing our dirty job..more hardworking...etcs...whatsoever..

[Asdracles]

Well, I work in a small size company (around 30 people), and we are having problems to get new passes approved, but so far none of the renewal requests was rejected (just a few downgraded from EP to S-pass).

Of course, just one example doesn't prove anything, but it's logical that the admission criteria is tougher than the renewal one.

Good luck!

[sundaymorningstaple]

Well, I work in a small size company (around 30 people), and we are having problems to get new passes approved, but so far none of the renewal requests was rejected (just a few downgraded from EP to S-pass).

Of course, just one example doesn't prove anything, but it's logical that the admission criteria is tougher than the renewal one.

Good luck!

Interesting. Just goes to prove a point. All we are doing here is guessing. My company, ~ 175-200 staff. We aren't have too much problem getting S passes approved, (aside from quota problems) but we have had ongoing problems with renewals of the older S passes at renewal time being rejected for renewal as "no longer meet criteria".

[Snowfly]

I didn't think it would be so drastic either. Logically it just shakes things up too much and sends out bad signals, and I'd think most of us have our jobs in the first place because we qualified...I work with some exceptional local guys as well, but it's weird to think anyone's more entitled to a job because of geography...

My company's pretty much decided to stop hiring non-locals for the time being, it's been trickier recently than it was say 2 or 3 years ago. Seems the effects of all this are going to be felt a bit more subtly...regulating the foreign workforce over the years, not so much on culling.

Still, fingers crossed!

[33sierra291]

Hi SMS

Perhaps I can share more on my research over PM, then you can decide if you are interested. Hope to hear from you

[sundaymorningstaple]

Until you get 5 posts even if I PM you, you will not be able to answer, only read. Once you have five posts, you can send as well as read.

[purpled]

well based from my experience last november, i had my pass upgraded from SPASS to EPASS and it was rejected. It is really frustrating to wait for a couple of weeks and then one day MOM tells you that your pass is not approved.

[33sierra291]

Hi SMS

Thanks I see. I thought at least i can reply to PM.
This counts as one post... what a workaround

[sundaymorningstaple]

We really don't appreciate garbage posts either, okay?

[33sierra291]

Am so sorry, i was intending to delete it after I sent u the pm