Singapore is known as the heart of South East Asia. It is located near the equator, and it enjoys a tropical climate all year long. Even though, it is a small country, Singapore is composed of people of different culture. It has also a strong economy, good government, modern living standards, and has among the lowest crime rate in the world.
For the Filipinos, Singapore is one of the favorite destinations to work with. It offers professional jobs mostly in the industry of business, tourism, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, IT, finance, etc.
SINGAPORE FACTS AND HOLIDAYS
If you are planning to work in Singapore, then you should have an idea about the country. Here are the following facts:
Country: Republic of Singapore
Capital City: Singapore
Language/s: English, Malay, Chinese, Tamil
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Currency Exchange:
Government: Parliament
Climate: Tropical
Country Code: +65
New Year's Day 1 January 2013
Chinese New Year 10,11 February
Good Friday 29 March 2013
Labour Day 1 May 2013
Vesak Day 24 May 2013
Hari Raya Puasa 8 August 2013
National Day 9 August 2013
Hari Raya Haji 15 October 2013
Deepavali 3 November 2013
Christmas Day 25 December 2013
HOW TO WORK IN SINGAPORE
There are three important things you need to answer to increase you chance of getting hired in Singapore.
1. Is your occupation in-demand in Singapore? According to POEA, it is easy for you to find a job in Singapore if it is included in the list of in-demand jobs by the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore.
2.Do you have enough work experience? A relevant work experience is needed to be qualified for a job and to get an Employment Pass.
3. Can you work with other nationalities? Industries in Singapore are composed of diverse group of people. Also, most of the companies in Singapore are managed or controlled by foreign employers too. The working condition in Singapore is different from the Philippines.
To be able to work in Singapore, you need a work permit or a valid visas. Any Singaporeans that hire non-residents without a valid work-permit will face penalties, and the hired non-resident can be deported or put into jail.
Here are the following passes and visas: (The following information were taken from the Ministry of Manpower website)
1. Employment Pass for professional workers
The Employment Pass allows foreign professionals to work in Singapore. It applies to foreigners who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $3,000, and have acceptable qualifications.
2. The S Pass for mid-level skilled foreigners.
The S Pass allows mid-level skilled foreigners who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $2,000 to work in Singapore.S Pass applications are assessed on multiple criteria including salary, education qualification, skills, job type and work experience.
3. A Work Permit (WP) is generally issued to foreign unskilled workers.
The duration of a Work Permit is generally two years, subject to the validity of the worker’s passport, the Banker’s/Insurance Guarantee, and the worker’s employment period, whichever is shorter. The worker is only allowed to work for the employer and in the specified occupation
4. The Miscellaneous Work Pass
The Miscellaneous Work Pass is for foreigners working in Singapore on short-term assignments that fall into certain specific activity categories.
5. Work Permit for Performing Artistes
This work pass is for foreign artistes performing at any Public Entertainment Licensed bar, discotheque, lounge, night club, pub, hotel, private club or restaurant for a maximum of six months.
WHAT ARE THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN SINGAPORE?
Here are the in-demand jobs in Singapore.
WHERE TO LOOK FOR JOBS IN SINGAPORE?
To get an overseas job nowadays is not that difficult. There are many options that you can choose:
1. You can get a job by reading a newspaper.
2. You can ask your friends or relatives that are currently working in Singapore.
3. You can apply through online. Check the following websites:
www.poea.gov.ph www.jobstreet.com
www.workabroad.ph www.jobsdb.com
ADDITIONAL INFO OF WORKING IN SINGAPORE
• It is a well known fact that many Filipinos visit Singapore. As a Filipino, you are entitled to get a free tourist visa that will not exceed 30 days. In this case, many Filipinos are taking advantage of it. Once they get into Singapore, they worked illegally without any documents. This is illegal and not advisable.
• It is much safer to look for a job through the help of recruitment agency, or, it is better that your employer will process first your work permit while you are still in the Philippines before going to Singapore.
• Foreign workers in Singapore are entitled to receive the same benefits enjoyed by the locals.
• The salary should not be less than the minimum wage set by the Ministry of Manpower.
• Foreign workers must know the Employment Act. The rights of foreign workers are clearly stated in this law.
• Foreign workers cannot be asked to work for more than 12 hours a day. In case of special circumstances, the employer needs to get a special permit to require the employee to work for more than 12 hours.
• The probationary period for new employees is from 3 months to 6 months.
• A foreign employee must notify the Ministry of Manpower if there will be a change of address, employment, salary, etc.
OFW Directory:
Philippine Embassy in Singapore
Singapore Embassy in Manila
Address: No. 505, Rizal Drive,
(Cor. 5th Avenue and Rizal Drive)
Bonifacio Global City,
1634 Taguig City,
Metro Manila,
Philippines
Tel:+63 (2) 856 9922 (General Line)
+63 (2) 856 9922 Ext 110 (Consular Services)
+63 (2) 856 9922 Ext 113 (Visa Services)
Fax:+63 (2) 856 9932
E-Mail: singemb_mnl@sgmfa.gov.sg
Operational Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Closed on Sat and Sun, Philippine public holidays and Singapore's National Day (9 August).
