Working in Singapore
- Karen Grace Pascual, Jun 30, 2004
The Lion City, Singapore has become one of the best cities in Asia over
the years. With a hustle and bustle lifestyle, both day and night, and an
impressive economy to back it up, the city has become one of the favorites
among Westerners.
Singapore came from the Sanskrit “Simhapuram” from from simhah "lion" +
puram "city."
Little did we know, that Singapore would be the next haven for OFWs. From
January to April 2003, almost 895 OFWs have been luckily deployed to
Singapore. Despite the horrific story of Delia Magat and Flor
Contemplacion years ago, other OFWs have moved on and went on to try their
luck at Singapore.
OFWs are now ready to face a brand new challenge that Singapore poses on
us. Take a look on how to work in the Lion City and see if building a
career on this minute sized country can produce mammoth benefits.
Country Bios: Capital Singapore Official languages:Malay, Tamil, Chinese and
English. English is the language of administration. National language: Malay Currency:Singapore Dollar (S$ SGD) Type of Government:Parliamentary Republic Religions: Islam, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu,
Taoist
The Merlion
The Merlion has been one of Singapore’s national symbol.Legend has it that
Singapore was once known guarded by the Merlion. Whenever the Merlion will
see an enemy, they will be burned to ashes with the Merlion’s eyes
lighting up with red fire,And one day, when the country was menaced by a
terrible storm, the majestic creature came out of the sea and saved humans
from inevitable peril, and the country - from inevitable destruction.
People of Singapore still worship Merlion. To commemorate their savior,
they have built the 37 meters high stone sculpture of the lion-fish.
Economy
Singapore, a former British trading colony, is one of the world's most
prosperous countries. Its port is one of the busiest in the world, and its
per capita GDP is larger than those of the leading nations of Western
Europe. Many corporations have their Southeast Asian headquarters in
Singapore, including UK companies such as British Telecom, BP, British Gas
and British Airways
Working in Singapore
Singapore doesn’t require a visa from citizens of Western Europe, North
America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, or the ASEAN. But if
you wish to live and work in Singapore you have to acquire a Work permit
or
Employment
Pass
The Work Permit
A work permit is given to a foreigner who wishes to work in Singapore with
a basic salary of S$1,500 and below per month. Work Permit is valid for
two years. To apply for a work permit, a foreigner will need a local
sponsor who is the company employing him/her.
The Employment Pass
This is given to a foreigner who wants to work or
do
business
in Singapore with a basic salary of more than more than S$ 2,000.
Employment Pass is valid up to five years.
Getting an Employment Pass
Two copies of Form 8
One copy each of
academic or
professional
qualifications
and testimonials from the previous employers
Two recent
passport-size pictures
If married, a copy
of Marriage Certificate and spouse's educational certificates if your
spouse is a Singapore Citizen / Permanent Resident or is currently working
in Singapore
*** Employment Pass holders can apply for dependent's pass or social visit
pass
**** Application for the Renewal of Employment Pass should be made two
months before the expiration of existing Employment Pass.
*****An Employment Pass carry an annual fee of $30 S per year and take
about 6 weeks to process.
Employment Trends
Singapore relies on foreign workers for two types of jobs: low-skilled
positions and high-tech and R&D
jobs
for which not many Singaporeans can do. Singapore welcomes highly
qualified foreigners for migration. The fields of life science, chemical,
finance and IT are industries, which demand a large number of
professionals. The media industry, with such satellite and cable giants as
MTV, HBO, ABN and Discovery setting up shop here, has tremendous
opportunities for voice talents, show hosts and a whole range of
media-related jobs.
Singapore's economic blueprint for the next century, titled Industry 21,
calls for the creation of 20,000 to 25,000
new
jobs
each year. Of these, 15,000 will be in manufacturing, 5,000 to 10,000 in
exportable services. Industries that have a particularly strong need for
workers include electronics, chemicals, biomedical sciences, engineering,
and information technology.
Financial Matters
Salaries are very competitive and breaks even with the cost of living in
Singapore. Often times, employees receive
compensation
packages
that includes transportation, housing , childcare, education and
entertainment.
Public transportations are not a problem with a new light railway system
that will complement the buses and MRT.
Work Culture
Most companies in Singapore work on a five-and-a-half day work week. That
includes the half day an employee has to render in Saturdays. The standard
legal work in a week is 44 hours long. Employees are entitled to a minimum
of seven days of vacation leave for the first year of service, with most
enjoying two to three weeks of leave and paid sick leave..
Personal income tax rates in Singapore are among the lowest in the world.
Tax in this country ranges from 2% to 28%.Foreigners working in Singapore
on either a Work Permit or an Employment Pass will be taxed, with a few
exceptions. A foreigner is regarded as a tax resident if he has lived in
Singapore for at least 183 days in one calendar year or has been in
Singapore for three consecutive years.
Like Filipinos, Singaporeans work hard to keep up with a very competitive
environment in the industry they are in. As with everything,
hard
work
bears fruits as employees are handsomely rewarded for the services
rendered. This includes, vacation leaves, bonuses, health and dental
insurance which are year end standard employee benefits most companies
offer. Most employers give their workers a bonus during the Chinese New
Year. Other perks could include car and housing loans and incentive travel
overseas.
Present your business cards to everyone present at a meeting, especially
if you have an impressive title. Print them in English on one side and
Chinese on the other, preferably in gold ink.
Prior to a meeting, it is customary to engage in social banter. During
conversation, be enthusiastic, but try not to interrupt. Politeness is a
very important attribute in strengthening any kind of relationship in
Singapore. Speak in low, modest tones and avoid standing with arms akimbo,
which indicates aggression to many Singaporeans. Avoid gestures of any
kind, as many may be considered offensive.
Employment
Payment of Salaries
An employer may fix periods for payment of salaries, but the salary period
should not be more than one month. The payment of salary shall be made on
a working day and during working hours at the place of work or at any
other place agreed between the employer and the employee.
Deductions
Deductions will be made only for the following reasons
Deductions for
absence from work;
Deductions for
damage to or loss of goods entrusted to an employee for custody;
Meals requested by
the employee;
Accommodations;
Advances and loans;
Income taxes;
Contributions to the
Central Provident Fund and other provident funds; and
Other deductions
approved by the Labour Ministry
Working hours
An employee is entitled to one rest day be it Sunday or any day of the
week determined by the employer. A total of 8 hours will be rendered
everyday or 44 hours in one week.
Overtime rate must be not less than one and a half times his hourly rate.
Medical
Examination
All foreign domestic workers must pass a full medical examination by a
registered doctor upon arrival in Singapore before work permits are
issued. Thereafter, medical examinations are required every six month with
the employer shouldering the expenses.
Renewal of Work Permits
The work permit must be renewed within 3 days before its expiry. The
following documents are required:
A new security
bond/security deposit slip;
In-principle
approval letter;
Results of the
medical examination;
Employee's passport;
and
Completed renewal
form.
Change of Employer
Application for a change of employer for foreign domestic workers in
Singapore will only be considered if the expiry date on the foreign
domestic's Work Permit is more than one (1) month from the date of
submission of the application.
Public Holidays
Workers also enjoy 11 public holidays in a year; namely
New Year
Lunar New Year (2
days)
Good Friday
Labor Day
Hari Raya Puasa
(signifies the end of the fasting month of Ramadan)
Vesak Day,
Hari Raya Haji
(marking the conclusion of the annual Haj -pilgrimage to the holy city of
Mecca)
National Day
Deepavali (festival
of lighting of lamps that pays obeisance to Mother Lakshmi for attainment
of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, valor and fame)
Christmas Day
***If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following day will be a
holiday.
The Employment Act governs the terms and conditions of employment and
stipulates the rights and obligations of employers and employees.
As a reminder this is a brief summary of what to expect in starting a
career in Singapore. There are more rules and guidelines to be followed
under special cases. Be diligent and surf on the net or visit the
Singapore Embassy here in Manila at 35th Floor, Tower 1, The Enterprise
Center, 6766 Ayala Avenue corner Paseo De Roxas, Makati City. Call them at
751-2345.
In Singapore, the Philippine Embassy is located in 20 Nassim Road,
Singapore. Our Charge d'Affaires is Ms. Minda C. Cruz. They can be called
up on the number (65) 6737-3977 / 6834-2938
