Regarding EP Issue

[iep3526]

Hi, I have got my EP for 1 year in June 2011. I was in Singapore for 10 days and after that I went back to India as my employer was a newly established company and its operations were postponed for few months due to some adminstrative reasons. Now, the company wants me to come back to singapore in Jan 2012 and take up the assignment as it is begining its operations. So, pls advise if there would be any issues when I re-enter in to Singapore in Jan 2012.Is there any formality that I need to fufill while re-entering in to SG? Thank you in advance for your time and advise

[singaporeflyer]

Hi, I have got my EP for 1 year in June 2011. I was in Singapore for 10 days and after that I went back to India as my employer was a newly established company and its operations were postponed for few months due to some adminstrative reasons. Now, the company wants me to come back to singapore in Jan 2012 and take up the assignment as it is begining its operations. So, pls advise if there would be any issues when I re-enter in to Singapore in Jan 2012.Is there any formality that I need to fufill while re-entering in to SG? Thank you in advance for your time and advise

Was your EP cancelled when you left Singapore?

[iep3526]

Thank you for your reply.
My EP is still active

[singaporeflyer]

As per my understanding, as long as your EP is valid, you will be able to enter SG.

But you need to check with your company on how your tax would be computed for the past 6 months..

[richie303]

I understand that if you don't meet the minimum wage for your EP then you may have problems... SMS will undoubtedly tell you. having not worked for 6 months could be an issue, I know for the PEP you are only allowed to not be actively earning for 6 months a year during the time and have to have a minimum salary during those 6 months.

[sundaymorningstaple]

That's actually an interesting question. As gaining the specific EP requires a minimum salary of X/month, but doesn't require a minimum per annum salary as the PEP does (the PEP doesn't have a employer as the sponsor so there it's a different kettle of fish altogether), and I've never seen anything about taking time off without pay (nothing illegal about that - at least from an employee's/employer's POV). I don't know if there is a quantum of time whereas the pass would automatically become invalid as it is still being sponsored by the employer. MOM wouldn't know as there are no levies being paid for EP holders. If the employer is okay with them being on a pass but not working it only impacts the employer's headcount.

As far as IRAS is concerned, as long as the employer is here more than 183 days he would be taxed at local rates. This is also allowed to span 2 tax years to accomplish. Might be a matter of interpretation, but they already say that if the company sends your overseas for a temporary period of time, as long as your work visa remains valid, you will still retain "resident" status for tax purposes. Also, IRAS states that income earned overseas isn't taxable anyway, so I really don't see any problem with it at all. The only one who loses is the employee who is home without any income coming in. But on a more positive note, at least he's got a job already to come to.