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Singapore is one of the most energetic economic centres in Asia. Several foreign workers have been attracted by its industries growing every year, as well as the powerful economy and work culture. If you plan to work in Singapore, let's know what the requirements for work permits are. The procedure varies based on the kind of work you want to perform and your skills and nationality.
Kinds of Work Permits
Work permits in Singapore are categorised based on different levels of skills and professions. The most common ones are the Work Permit for Foreign Workers (WP), mainly for unskilled or semi-skilled labourers in industries, which are usually construction, manufacturing, and service sectors; the Employment Pass (EP), awarded to skilled professionals, managers, and executives and the S Pass, intended for mid-skilled workers.
Other specialised permits include the Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Singapore and the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) for high earning professionals seeking more flexibility.
Key Requirements
1. Valid Job Offer: Before applying for any work permit, a foreign national must secure a valid job offer from a Singapore based employer. Typically, the employer will act as the sponsor and apply for the work permit on behalf of the worker.
2. Quota and Levies: There are also quota and levies systems. In the case of low-skilled foreign workers, employers must follow strict quota systems that restrict the number of foreign workers depending on their industry. Additionally, the employer has to pay a levy-a fee that increases with the number of foreign workers recruited.
3. Qualifications and Skills: The application requirements for a permit may in fact be different depending on the nature of the work that one is employed to do. For instance, proof of qualification and skills will be demanded when an individual seeks an Employment Pass or an S Pass though the Work Permit is job specific.
4. Medical Needs: Foreigners have to go through medical checks which include tuberculin and HIV tests, among others, to check whether they meet the medical health requirements in Singapore. This is most relevant in the healthcare and food services related industries, for instance, since a person is at a higher risk of health hazards in such fields.
5. Age: For a Work Permit, foreign workers must be between the ages of 18 and 58 years old however, this is somewhat age dependent, as well as on the superior requirement of the industry or type of employee.
6. Security Bond: In hiring foreign workers on a Work Permit, it becomes a requirement of employers to post a security bond . This said security bond serves as a guarantee that they are complying with the conditions stipulated under work permits.
Compliance with Singapore Laws
Once approved, these workers have the task of observing the employment laws and regulations of Singapore. Once a breach is detected on one of these worker’s permit conditions, such as overstaying, or working in a wrong sector, punishment follows as well as deportation and permanently keeps out from working in Singapore.
The work permit in Singapore has to go through a formality and tight procedural process. Be it securing a valid job offer or being healthy and of good character; legally qualified, or fulfilling medical and other requirements. Foreign workers and employers should have mastery over Singapore's rules concerning work permits in order to have an effective and legally compliant working experience.
Looking for help with your immigration? Oasis Visas is here to guide you from start to finish. Just send us an email at info@oasis-india.com, and we’ll help make your dream of moving abroad a reality!