Tag: Singapore

How To Employ Foreign Nationals In Your Singapore Company

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Every year about few thousand foreign owned companies get registered in Singapore. At the same time, the number of foreign professionals working in the country has gone up considerably and now over one-third of the entire working population in Singapore comprises of overseas professionals. Although this year saw a number of amendments introduced on the employment pass scheme to ensure only the best minds were able to live and work in Singapore, overall it is fairly simple for a company to employ foreign nationals in the country.
Firstly companies that need to employ foreigners for whatever reason must ensure they apply for an employment pass for each of the foreign professional they want to employ. The employment pass is actually the main type of work visa meant for foreigners that want to work in Singapore. Obtaining an employment pass takes about a month and authorities would check the background of both the professional who is being employed as well as the company that is employing the foreigner. With the recent changed introduced in the eligibility criteria for an employment pass, authorities in Singapore would look at the relevant work experience of the foreign professional, their educational qualifications as well as their existing and offered salaries in Singapore. The third criterion, that of salary is an important addition to the eligibility for employment pass as Singapore wants to ensure highly skilled professionals who already have a good professional background are able to enter the country.
Foreign companies that are about to incorporate in Singapore and need to bring in staff from their head office can apply for the employment pass immediately after receiving the certificate of incorporation. Again it must be noted that an application has to be submitted for each of the overseas staff members they wish to relocate. Ministry of Manpower (MoM) in Singapore processes employment pass applications and they would ensure that the employment offered is legitimate and whether all rules and regulations are being followed.
If a company in Singapore wants to employ a foreigner who is already working in the country for another company, they must endorse a new application for the foreign professional as each employment pass is connected to one employer. Moment the foreigner stops working for the company that originally employed them, their employment pass expires immediately. Hence for change of companies, foreigners need to apply for the employment pass again endorsed by the new company employing them.

Singapore Employment Pass Visa Issued To Foreign Professionals And Businessmen

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The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa issued to foreign professionals, supervisors, and key employees who want to relocate in the country. Meanwhile, this visa is also given to foreign entrepreneurs, shareholders, and managing directors who want to personally manage their business in Singapore.

To qualify for this visa, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires foreign applicants to have a college diploma from a reputable school. However, the agency informs people that meeting this requirement does not guarantee a successful application particularly if they fall short in the other criteria.

Aside from the college diploma, another important requirement for professionals is a work-related experience (preferably at least five years) that has enhanced their skills and knowledge in their respective profession.

(Special note: Foreign entrepreneurs are first required to incorporate their company before they can apply for EP.)

Another important requirement for EP applicants is that they should have at least a fixed monthly salary of S$2,500. A fixed monthly salary does not include payment for overtime, commission, bonus, employers contributions to workers pensions, allowance, and productivity incentives.

Meanwhile, these are the documents and certifications EP applicants should present to the agency:
A completed Employment Pass Application form which can be downloaded from the agencys main website.

For professionals. If their would-be employer is a Singapore-based company, they should get sponsorship from this entity. But for those whose employer is an overseas company which does not operate a local office in the country, they must still be sponsored by a local company.

It is important that the employer signs and stamps the application form with its company seal.
A companys latest business profile which must be registered to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). If it is not yet registered, it should at least produce registration papers from its professional body.

Educational certifications.

If applicable, testimonials from previous employers.

All the relevant travel documents including a copy of passport particulars.

A passport-sized photograph of a person which must be taken within the past three months.

(Special note: Applicants who have non-English certificates and documents must submit a copy of the original papers together with its official translated-version that is certified by their respective embassy.)

The Benefits Of Personalised Employment Pass By Asiabizservices

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In order to help better attract and retain global talent, Singapore has recently introduced the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP). PEP facilitates selected Employment Pass holders to continue working in Singapore. The PEP will be granted to suitable EP holders that have worked in Singapore for a period of time.

Currently an Employment Pass (EP) is tied to a specific employer. A fresh application is required for any change in employer. Unless an EP holder finds employment with a new company, the EP is immediately cancelled if an EP holder leaves the company and he must leave Singapore. However, in the new PEP, an EP holders individual merits are the basis for issuance f such PEP and it is not tied to any employer. A PEP holder is allowed to remain in Singapore to evaluate new employment opportunities for up to six months in between jobs.

If you meet any of the below requirements, you are eligible for this visa: The following are the requirements in order to be eligible for this visa:

1) You are earning at least S$7,000 monthly salary. The last drawn salary must not exceed six months from the time of application.

2) You are a former P1 category employment pass holder who is residing overseas. Also, you should not be unemployed for longer than a continuous period of six months at the point of application.

3) You are a current P1 category employment pass holder.

4) You are a current P2 category employment pass holder with at least two years’ of work experience on a P category employment pass. You annual income should be at least S$30,000.

5) You are a foreign graduate from institutions of higher learning in Singapore and have at least two years of working experience on a P or Q1 category employment pass. You annual income should be at least S$30,000.

Since an PEP is not tied to a company, the EP holder must be the one who applies for Personalized employment pass and not the employer.

Once approved, the applicant will be given 3 months to collect the PEP. A cancellation letter for the existing employment pass from the current employer will be required from the applicant.

Singapore companies will be able to hire personalized employment pass holders the same way they hire Singapore citizens and PRs. However, they will need to notify MOM whenever they hire or terminate the services of a PEP holder.

There are various advantages of owning a personalized employment pass. One of the perks of having one is the convenience as it does not require any sponsor or bank guarantee and it only take an average of about 3 weeks to process. Another benefit of PEP holders is the job flexibility, PEP holders are allowed to be employed in any sector and when changing jobs, PEP holders do not need to re-apply for a new pass. Also, PEP holders are given the flexibility of a continuous period of up to six months without a job to evaluate employment or work opportunities and are not required to leave Singapore during this time.

What Is Pep Singapore

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Personalised Employment Pass is a Singapore work visa that unbinds Employment Pass holders and non-permanent residents from a specific employer for a time period of up to five (5) years. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) facilitated the launching of PEP Singapore on January 1, 2007.

This type of work visa is granted based on individuals abilities and professional experience. It does not require the pass holder to have been already engaged by an employer in Singapore. However, note that upon collection of the visa, a new PEP holder has only a maximum of 6 months to seek employment in Singapore. Failure to secure an employment beyond the grace period will result in the work visa being revoked.

Below are the eligibility requirements of PEP:
Earn a minimum salary of S$7,000 per month (last drawn salary should not be older than 6 months at the time of application).
A former P1 category Employment Pass holder who resides overseas (likewise, please note that you should not be unemployed for more than a continuous period of six months at the point of application).
A current P1 category Employment Pass holder.
A current P2 category Employment Pass holder with at least two years of working experience in a P category of Employment Pass that earns an annual income of at least S$30,000.
A foreign graduate from institutions of higher learning in Singapore that has at least two years of working experience on a P or Q1 category Employment Pass (please take note that your annual income should be a minimum of S$30,000).

PEP applicants should also take note of details such as details of passport, name and address of employer, job and salary details, local contact details and details of dependant pass holder, if applicable, when filling out PEP application form. It is also best to include documents such as copy of passport, appointment letter from current employer, last three months pay slips, copy of higher education certifications and copy of resume when submitting PEP application.

The processing of PEP applications would usually take 2 to 3 weeks. Once approved, an In-Principle Approval letter will be sent out. Collection of PEP is valid up to three months and once issued, PEP Singapore will have 5 years validity. Within the given 5 years period, PEP holders should keep authorities up to date with employment, local contact, salary, travel documents and address. In case PEP is lost, PEP holders should apply for a replacement one. You need to submit your passport and police report card in order to receive a new card.

Singapore Employment Pass Rikvin Singapore Offers Fast Track Premium Ep Application

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More and more foreigners are coming over to Singapore either to get employed or start their own companies. This is highly due to the healthy financial environment in Singapore which attracts foreigners and entrepreneurs from all parts of the world.

However, before engaging to work or be employed in Singapore, there is a need to obtain a permit or visa so that your employment or business will be considered legitimate. This employment visa is more popularly called a Singapore Employment Pass (EP).

EMPLOYMENT PASS (EP) DEFINED. A Singapore Employment Pass is a work visa issued to foreign entrepreneurs, shareholders, and managing directors so that they can legally setup and personally manage their business in Singapore. However, an EP can also be issued as a work visa for supervisors and managers, key employees, professionals, and workers with a specialized skill who are employed in a Singapore incorporated company.

EP ELIGIBILITY. In order to be qualified to obtain an EP, the foreigner must have a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$2,500 and must possess any or all of the following qualifications: acceptable diploma/degrees, professional qualifications, specialist skills, and relevant work experience. Aside from the foregoing qualifications, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) also takes into consideration the foreigners age, current citizenship, and his roles and responsibilities in a company. Possessing the requisite educational attainment does not necessarily guarantee issuance of an EP. Sometimes the MOM also makes exceptions especially for applicants who have outstanding professional skills and highly relevant qualifications for the job they are performing even if they fall short of the educational requirement.

EP CATEGORIES: The EP is divided into three categories and are based primarily on an applicants monthly salary. These categories are: P1 Pass, P2 Pass, and Q1 Pass.

P1 Pass. This pass is given to foreign applicants with a fixed monthly salary of more than S$7,000.

P2 Pass. This pass is given to foreign applicants with a fixed monthly salary of more than S$3,500 to S$7,000.

Q1 Pass. This pass is given to foreign applicants with a fixed monthly salary of S$2,500 to S$3,500.

EP APPLICATION. All applications for Employment Pass must be submitted to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The application must be accompanied by all relevant documents showing competency and qualifications especially as to education, skills, and relevant work experience. It also has the discretion to deny applications especially if there is a lack of supporting documents. In case of denial of EP application, an appeal may be made to the MOM providing the agency with relevant documents which were lacking during the first application. Review of the appeal takes more than three weeks.

EP VALIDITY. An Employment Pass is valid for two or three years, depending on the type of pass and the individual holder. Two months before the EP expires, the holder will receive a notification from the MOM informing him that the pass is about to expire and there is a need to renew the same at least four weeks before expiration.

Processing Employment Pass can be a bit exhausting most especially if you are compelled to secure it at once. Fortunately, it is possible to get them at once with Rikvin Immigration Services an independent immigration advisory agency serving professionals and businesses from around the world to relocate in Singapore. Rikvin always think out of the box. They provide a very valuable service by just letting you submit your employment pass (EP) application online and possibly get the EP Visa approved within just 24 hours. Although this service can be served for those who are applying for a Employment Pass (EP) work pass category that can be manageable under the fast track premium service, any option to expedite EP processing would surely create a big difference.