Work permit - change job

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Hi,

I have a PRC friend who is a WP holder working as Chinese childcare teacher for 3 years. Diploma holder, taken in SG. Salary ~1.9k/mth.

She planed to change company for change of environment, and found an prospective employer who want to hire her for 2.1k.

The new employer HR tried to apply S-pass but was rejected (not sure what the reason was).
So I guess the next choice is to apply for WP.

Does it mean she have to leave SG after resignation & WP cancellation before the new employer can apply new WP?

It sounds risky.. Are there any ways for new employer to apply WP before current one is cancelled?

Btw she had not sign the employment contract with the new employer before resigning. So we are trying to determine what is the next best course of action.

The new employer claim that the HR will generate the employment contract in a few days time...

[beppi]

There is no guarantee that an S-Pass or WP will be approved.
If not, she will have to return home.
Yes, changing job IS risky, especially in this political climate. I wouldn't have thought just S$200/month is worth that risk ...

[the lynx]

I agree with beppi. Best to confirm that you have the IPA in hand before making any move. Because the approval part is the iffy thing.

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Am I right to say that IPA will only be issued once application of WP/S-pass is successful? S-pass can be applied before current WP is cancelled, but WP cannot be applied until current WP is cancelled (and return home) which is the risky part?

strange, isn't there any better ways for changing a job? i mean its understandable that everybody needs career progression at some point... and in her case she had been working at same environment for 3 years..

idk, isn't there a high demand and standard for Chinese educational teacher esp in child care sector? IMO, i don't find alot of locals who fits the bill...

came across this:
http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/ ... geemployer
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Change of employer

The following conditions must be fulfilled if there is a change of employer for Foreign Workers in the construction sector from Non-Traditional Sources or People’s Republic of China:
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wonder if anyone know if this can be applied to her?

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is there a policy or some sort that employer (current or future) will pay for her air ticket back home?

[sundaymorningstaple]

For a WP or S pass holder, the employer is responsible for their repatriation. If that means a bus to KL or a flight to Yangon, yes, the employer has to pay for it (one-way only).

From the "Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (Chapter 91A)

Conditions of Work Permits / S Passes

10. The employer shall give the worker reasonable notice of her repatriation. The employer shall repatriate the worker to her town or place of origin within her home country when her Work Permit/Visit Pass expires or is cancelled or revoked, unless she is transferred to another employer. The employer shall bear the full cost of repatriation and shall ensure that all outstanding salaries or monies due to the worker have been paid before
her repatriation.

[hide]

For a WP or S pass holder, the employer is responsible for their repatriation. If that means a bus to KL or a flight to Yangon, yes, the employer has to pay for it (one-way only).

From the "Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (Chapter 91A)

Conditions of Work Permits / S Passes

10. The employer shall give the worker reasonable notice of her repatriation. The employer shall repatriate the worker to her town or place of origin within her home country when her Work Permit/Visit Pass expires or is cancelled or revoked, unless she is transferred to another employer. The employer shall bear the full cost of repatriation and shall ensure that all outstanding salaries or monies due to the worker have been paid before
her repatriation.

Great info, thanks.
Unfortunately my friend had already bought a 2 way airticket on her personal account. Hope the company agree to reimburse portion of the ticket cost.

Her plan now is to fly back right after her last day of work.
Only then the new employer can help to apply for new WP. And then with the IPA she can fly back.

It is not possible for her new employer to apply for WP when she is still in Singapore and her current WP is not cancelled yet.

[the lynx]

For a WP or S pass holder, the employer is responsible for their repatriation. If that means a bus to KL or a flight to Yangon, yes, the employer has to pay for it (one-way only).

From the "Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (Chapter 91A)

Conditions of Work Permits / S Passes

10. The employer shall give the worker reasonable notice of her repatriation. The employer shall repatriate the worker to her town or place of origin within her home country when her Work Permit/Visit Pass expires or is cancelled or revoked, unless she is transferred to another employer. The employer shall bear the full cost of repatriation and shall ensure that all outstanding salaries or monies due to the worker have been paid before
her repatriation.

Great info, thanks.
Unfortunately my friend had already bought a 2 way airticket on her personal account. Hope the company agree to reimburse portion of the ticket cost.

Her plan now is to fly back right after her last day of work.
Only then the new employer can help to apply for new WP. And then with the IPA she can fly back.

It is not possible for her new employer to apply for WP when she is still in Singapore and her current WP is not cancelled yet.

OK that's very fast but she better not forget to look into the outstanding income tax part before she flies off to prevent any inconvenience.

[sundaymorningstaple]

The employer is charged with filing the IR-21 as soon as notice is given, either by the employee or employer. Technically it must be filed 1 month prior to departure and the employer has to pay the taxes. However, as soon as notice is tendered, ALL monies shall be withheld by the employer until such time as IRAS sends a letter instructing the employer to release any remaining funds due to the employee after the company pays the income taxes and deducts it from the remaining salary. In fact, the employee may well have problems departing the country if the passport is flagged due to uncollected income taxes.