Employment Pass / Change of Employer

[Duamutef_MC]

Hi there!

I'm back for another question; I hope you can be as awesome as last time!

I've received an interesting job offer, and they told me they are going to apply for a new Employment Pass (in substitution of the one I have right now).

My problem is: I have a 3-months notice. Is it possible to apply now for the new Employment Pass but specifying clearly on the paperwork that the new employment pass will come into effect three months from now, allowing me to finish my notice time?

I mean: is it possible to have a seamless transition from a job to the other? The alternative, which is paying a maximum of three salaries, is highly unfavourable.

Please make me know how the thing works; I've been browsing through various websites, and on this forum as well, and could not find the answer. Of course, thank you in advance!

[singaporeflyer]

Hi there!

I'm back for another question; I hope you can be as awesome as last time!

I've received an interesting job offer, and they told me they are going to apply for a new Employment Pass (in substitution of the one I have right now).

My problem is: I have a 3-months notice. Is it possible to apply now for the new Employment Pass but specifying clearly on the paperwork that the new employment pass will come into effect three months from now, allowing me to finish my notice time?

I mean: is it possible to have a seamless transition from a job to the other? The alternative, which is paying a maximum of three salaries, is highly unfavourable.

Please make me know how the thing works; I've been browsing through various websites, and on this forum as well, and could not find the answer. Of course, thank you in advance!

Your new employer can apply for an Employment Pass for you, and if approved the IPA will be valid for 6 months within which you should take it. But the question is, is your new employer ok to wait for 3 months for you to join the new company? Did you tell them that your notice period in your current company is 3 months? The Application for the new employment pass does not ask for your notice period with your current company.

[Duamutef_MC]

I've informed them. They showed interest at first, calling my resume' "amazing". I've informed them about my notice by mail. Hope they can still maintain their interest, now.

The bottom line is: can do a seamless transition?

[sundaymorningstaple]

Does you current contract have a valid non-compete clause in it? Where it might affect your ability to join your new employer? Otherwise, there is no reason why it cannot be "seamless" whatever that is supposed to mean.

[Duamutef_MC]

Does you current contract have a valid non-compete clause in it? Where it might affect your ability to join your new employer? Otherwise, there is no reason why it cannot be "seamless" whatever that is supposed to mean.

No non-competition clauses, but only a 3-months notice.

Tell me if I got it right:

1) I tell the 'new' company to apply for an EP.
2) Wait for the In-Principle Approval Letter, which has a window of 6 months (which is enough to comply with my notice).
3) With the consent of the 'new' company I do my 3-months notice at the 'old' company.
4) I move to work at the 'new' company.



Looks kind of confusing, but it should not be. If the system allows for such a transition, it's really seamless, and it will not involve any risk.

Just a question: does the In-principle Approval Letter bound the new company to employ me? You know, just to avoid unpleasant surpises!

Thank you in advance for your answer!

PS: With "seamless" I meant a smooth process!

[sundaymorningstaple]

The process is smooth. Theoretically once the employment contract is signed (usually pending approval of the employment pass) you and the employer are bound. A lot will try to make it only upon issuance of the EP (which is not the same as receiving the IPA. So you might want to satisfy yourself on that matter with the new employer. (Delicate I know).

[macaroonie]

If for eg, one company has submitted renewal documents for an ordinary employment pass and I am subsequently keen to work full time in another company, can the other company also put in an employment pass application at the same time? or do i need to cancel the current in progress application?

Is it easier to get one EP approved, and then immediately apply for another with the new company ? if my pass is expiring eg this month?

Many thanks!

[sundaymorningstaple]

If for eg, one company has submitted renewal documents for an ordinary employment pass and I am subsequently keen to work full time in another company, can the other company also put in an employment pass application at the same time? or do i need to cancel the current in progress application?

You would have to cancel the renewal application currently in progress as there cannot be two applications in the system simultaneously as it will cause a major spanner in the works and may literally take several months to get sorted.

Is it easier to get one EP approved, and then immediately apply for another with the new company ? if my pass is expiring eg this month?

That's what I would recommend. Get the renewal sorted and done and then apply with the new company.

Many thanks!

[Anthony249]

When you apply for an EP with another company, your current employer can track it, is this correct?

[sundaymorningstaple]

When you apply for an EP with another company, your current employer can track it, is this correct?

Yep. At least they can know that you have applied to another company and whether or not it's pending or approved. They will not know, however, who the company is. It's how we track ours. About once a month I have my HR exec imput all our foreigners into the system to see who is looking. This is especially true at the moment as next month is mid-year increments........

[macaroonie]

Thank you SMS, appreciate your advice always!