Singapore Immigration Alert 

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View/Print (pdf file, 133KB) Please click on the links below to view more:    This inaugural Singapore Immigration Alert aims to highlight key changes affecting the immigration landscape in Singapore.    In March 2008, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) published its report 'Labour Market 2007', which released statistics relating to the evolving dynamics of the Singapore workforce.  According to the MOM, the employment of foreign workers in the Singapore labour market increased by 144,500 in 2007 to a total of 900,800.  This represents one in three of the 2.73 million workers in Singapore.    This increase clearly reflects the Government's stated objective of attracting foreign talent to Singapore and the changes introduced to immigration legislation over the last 12 months, as well as other Government initiatives, to encourage foreign talent to come and settle in Singapore.  We have highlighted the recent key changes to immigration arrangements below.    Employment pass (EP) online system enhancements On 1 March 2008, the MOM upgraded its EP Online system with an improved user interface and faster system performance.  Key features of the enhanced system include an increased efficiency (with the objective of processing applications within one week), payment of application fees through GIRO and an easier retrieval of pass holder data due for renewal.  The new EP Online system also requires login via Singpass to facilitate a controlled access to information to safeguard the security of data.    The older EP Online system remains accessible to date, however, it is due to be decommissioned in August 2008.  A further initiative in the pipeline for 2009 will be a facility to cancel passes online. Close Work pass exempt activities The MOM recently classified a range of activities that a foreigner can participate in on a short term basis, without being required to apply for a work pass.  The 'Work Pass Exempt Activities' include the following broad categories: Training, speaking or facilitating at a seminar or conference provided the subject matter does not include race, religion or politics; Participation in any exhibition or trade fair as an exhibitor or trader; The commissioning or audit of a new plant or equipment; Activities relating to the installation or maintenance of any equipment, process or machine; Journalist activities supported by the Singaporean government or agency; Sports competitor. The categories relate to specialist skills or expertise, which may not be available in Singapore.  Foreigners are permitted to participate in these areas for the length of their Social Visit Pass, subject to a maximum of 60 days.  Beyond this period, a work pass must be obtained.    Upon arrival in Singapore, the foreigner (or someone on their behalf) must submit details including personal particulars, activities they will be conducting, and the expiry date of their Social Visit Pass, using the e-Notification tool on the MOM website.  Upon submission, an acknowledgment is issued immediately. Close Miscellaneous work pass On 1 February 2008, the MOM introduced the Miscellaneous Work Pass for specific short term assignments for foreigners entering Singapore to be involved in the following activities: Activities directly related to the organisation or conduct of an event concerning any religion, race or community, cause or political end; A foreign journalist, reporter or crew member not supported / sponsored by any Singapore Government agency to cover an event or write a story in Singapore. Close Personalised employment pass eligibility In response to a growing interest in the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) since its introduction in January 2007, the MOM has made the pass available to a wider audience from 1 March 2008.  Holders of the P1 category Employment Pass (EP) will no longer be required to fulfill a qualifying period of two years before being eligible to apply for the PEP.  Instead they will have the opportunity to apply immediately upon obtaining their EP.  In addition, former P1 pass holders who have worked within the last six months will also be eligible to apply as will foreigners recently arriving in Singapore if their last drawn overseas salary was in excess of SGD7,000 per month. Close Work holiday programme - Experiencing Singapore Launched on 1 December 2007, this scheme enables eligible undergraduates and graduates from overseas locations to experience living and working in Singapore for a period of up to six months.  Due to the short duration of the programme, participating students will not be subject to any minimum salary requirements, but must be able to support themselves during their stay in Singapore.  This scheme not only provides talented individuals with the opportunity to obtain valuable overseas work experience, but is also a benefit to companies seeking additional resources at junior levels. Close

       
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Download our Singapore Immigration Alert (May 2008) (pdf file, 133KB) for your reference.