Social Visit Pass shortened?

[CHM]

Hi-

I came to Singapore two weeks ago with the intention of staying about 4 weeks (I am considering relocating here). As a European, I got a 30 day Social Visit Pass. All was fine. Last week I was invited to play golf in J.B. and upon re-entry I was given a 14 day pass, i.e. effectively shortening the time I was already allowed to stay in Singapore by a week... (I only noticed this recently.)

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY ADVICE/ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING? THANKS!!!

Can I appeal this somehow?

Would it be a big deal to overstay by a few days?

Should I just go spend a night in Indonesia and re-enter?

Any other ideas?

MANY THANKS FOR ANY REPLY!

[Relax]

Take it easy, it happens when coming into Singapore from the causeway or from Singapore Cruise centre. You only get a 30-day stamp when you fly in. All you have to do is go to ICA (Immigration and Checkpoints Authority; 4th level) located at Lavender (http://www.ica.gov.sg) BEFORE your pass expires and get an extension.

You can (normally) stay in Singapore for a maximum period of 90 days, but since the last stamp you got was for 14 days, the visa will be extented on a 'per-14-days-basis'. Remember to get a local or permernant resident to follow you along, as you need him/her to act as a gaurantor. If you do not have any local friend(s), call up the ICA and see if you can just bring along your return air ticket to provide evidence, although prima facie, that you are not planning to over-stay illegally.

It will cost you nothing to get the pass extended.

Hope this helps.

[Relax]

Oh yah, it IS a big deal to overstay. Although there i normallyno fine for first-timers, it will be noted in the SG government's database and it will be a pain in the rear when you try to apply for an Employment Pass, or any other form of pass(es).

Try not to do a 'visa-run' into Malaysia or Indonesia as the authorities HATE individuals doing that. Although they won't say much, you might find it hard (once again) to work/stay in Singapor after that (some unwritten rule, although others might tell you otherwise). General rule of thumb: Never piss off foreign authorities as the toes you step on today might be the arse you have to kiss tomorrow.