Is it easy to get a working holiday pass?

[delta950]

Hi - having heard how difficult it is now to get an EP or S Pass, is it easy to get a working holiday pass in Singapore? (assuming I am 26 years old and I graduated last year with a Bachelor in Germany).
Thanks

[JR8]

Why you graduate at 25?

Have Master or not?

[delta950]

As I said I have a bachelor, the German system is different.

[ksbat]

To JR8, just curious about your question. I graduated at 38, some in my class were 60 some were 20. Apart from getting a holiday visa here what relevance was there to the OPs question?

[Mad Scientist]

Work Holiday Pass - Before you apply
Eligibility

University undergraduates and graduates aged between 17 and 30 years old may apply for the Work Holiday Pass to work in Singapore for up to six months. Applicants must be resident and full-time students of the university. Students who have gained admission to the university but have not commenced their studies may also apply.

The Work Holiday Programme (WHP) is applicable to students from these countries/territories:

Australia
France
Germany
Hong Kong
Japan
New Zealand
United Kingdom
United States
http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/ ... fault.aspx

For the approval application no one here can give a definite answer as all application will be reviewed on its own merits

[JayCee]

To JR8, just curious about your question. I graduated at 38, some in my class were 60 some were 20. Apart from getting a holiday visa here what relevance was there to the OPs question?

Read this and all shall be revealed (the basic premise is the question - how can someone with a degree, or indeed a masters, be so utterly incapable of doing the simplest bit of research for themselves?)

http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/ftopic78739-0.html

[delta950]

Thanks - I know all the requirements, I did my homework. Since it's not easy to get an EP now, maybe it's the same situation with the working holiday pass.

[Mad Scientist]

Thanks - I know all the requirements, I did my homework. Since it's not easy to get an EP now, maybe it's the same situation with the working holiday pass.

It is kinda of hard right now on any job application for FTs. The tightening of the guidelines makes it more apparent for many would be applicants. Although the self vetting tool in MOM Website shows that you have met the criteria, that does not necessarily means you will be approve. The vetting process takes a deeper meaning
We are receiving alot of these rejections in substantial numbers on this and other board. Worse to outcome I guess. Even for renewals are getting tougher. But hey you might get lucky, so go ahead and try your luck and apply. At least we gave you the heads up on what to expect.

[x9200]

Thanks - I know all the requirements, I did my homework. Since it's not easy to get an EP now, maybe it's the same situation with the working holiday pass.

I guess there is not enough evidence to see if there are any similarities. WHP is different from regular work/employment passes but as every application is judged/vetted individually you never know.
So if you say this is typical to get a Bachelor degree in the age of 25 rather than 2-4y earlier and MOM is fine with this, then ok, but things like this MAY get the application approved or rejected.

[delta950]

I see, so you don't think that it will get easier again in 6 months from now to get an EP? Some people told me that the MOM is strict now because we had the GE, but things will get better in a few months...

[the lynx]

I see, so you don't think that it will get easier again in 6 months from now to get an EP? Some people told me that the MOM is strict now because we had the GE, but things will get better in a few months...

Hard to say, my friend. It all subjects to MOM (they won't even tell you the reason if they reject you) and it also depends if one can justify having a FT here instead of hiring a local for the same job.

[x9200]

I see, so you don't think that it will get easier again in 6 months from now to get an EP? Some people told me that the MOM is strict now because we had the GE, but things will get better in a few months...

I think it is unlikely (at least any significant change). It may appear from outside that the GE was again a clear success of the ruling party but it was not and the leitmotif of the election was the foreigners intake. It would be very unwise for the government to relax their politics just few months after the election. I'd rather expect the restriction will last for the coming years unless the government finds a different way to mitigate the anti-foreign sentiments.

[delta950]

My strategy is to get 6months of working experience with a company (if I find a job) under a working holiday pass and then switch to an EP. At least I will have a little bit of experience with the company, so better that being a simple grad student without a solid experience.

[JayCee]

My strategy is to get 6months of working experience with a company (if I find a job) under a working holiday pass and then switch to an EP. At least I will have a little bit of experience with the company, so better that being a simple grad student without a solid experience.

I can't see too many professional companies being willing to hire you temporarily on a working holiday pass in the hope that they'll be able to get you an EP in 6 months time, because if they can't then they've just spent 6 months training you up only to lose you. Most would probably just prefer to apply for the EP straightaway if they want you that much. You may get an internship though, but then that probably won't pay much, if at all. The working holiday visa is I believe more likely to get you a job working in a bar, waiting tables etc...

Of course, you could then use the time that you're in Singapore doing the bar work to find something better and hope you can get an EP approved then

[x9200]

Frankly, I don't think you stand a chance. There are two things MOM is focused most: experience and the degree. You do not have anything here to offer and 6 months will not really change it. Besides, if you read threads on WHV you will see that many people on this type of the permit just end up working as waiters and such.
I'd suggest you find a job in Europe and get first 3-4y of experience before trying here. This of course should not stop you to apply for WHV and trying to get an EP eventually but IMHO your chances are less than slim.