A quick guide for Filipinos on how to work in Singapore

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).

A quick guide for Filipinos on how to work and live in Dubai

Dubai is one of the richest, largest, and safe cities in United Arab Emirates including the whole world. It offers hundreds of job opportunities for foreign workers especially for Filipino workers. It is also the most open place in Middle East. Majority of its population are foreigners and only few locals. However, the presence of Arab traditions and Muslim religion remains to be dominant.

Many OFW enjoyed working in Dubai. Here are the major reasons:

1. 1. You can observe and practice your own  religion. Dubai is called the free city in the East, and despite being called a Muslim city, Filipinos can still practice and observe their own belief. If you will go to Dubai, you will see different house of worship for Buddhists, Christians, Sikhs, and Hindus.
2. You can wear comfortable clothes. You are allowed to wear comfortable clothing without following the Muslim traditional attire. However, you are not allowed to wear revealing outfits because it remains offensive and prohibited in their culture.
3. You can eat non-Muslim food in Dubai. Despite of being a Muslim city, you can eat non-halal food. It means that you can eat food like pork. There are several restaurants and markets in Dubai that sell non-Muslim food.
4. You can enjoy and chill-out in Dubai. There are lots of places for enjoyment in Dubai like halls, bars, and amusement parks. Many Filipinos gather and hang-out during day-off and weekends to those places.

DUBAI FACTS AND FIGURES

Area	4.114 km
Population	2 million plus
Foreign Residents	Filipino, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi
Major Language	English, Arabic
Currency	Emirati Dirham
Currency Exchange	1 Dirham = 11 pesos
Area Code	+971 (country of UAE) +4 (area code of Dubai)
Time difference	Philippines is 4 hours ahead of Dubai
Weather	Tropical Climate

National Holidays in Dubai

• International New Years Day – January
• Ascension of the Prophet – June
• Beginning of Ramadan – June
• Eid Al Fitr – End of Ramadan – August
• Al-Hijira – Islamic New Years Day – November
• UAE National Day – December

Major Industries in Dubai
Hotel and Restaurant, Gaming and Amusement, Information and Technology, Construction, Oil, Gas, and Petroleum

Job Opportunities for Filipinos in Dubai
1. Building and Constructions – e.g. engineers, electrician. mason, architect.
2. Hotel and Restaurant – e.g. housekeeper, receptionist, bartender, waiter, waitress, barista, butler.
3. Personal Services – e.g. domestic helper, caregiver, barber, family driver.
4. Education – e.g. university instructor, English teacher, Math teacher, Science teacher
5. Health – e.g. nurse, physical therapist, physician

How to apply for a job in Dubai
Getting a job in Dubai is getting tougher. Many employers in Dubai expect a lot from foreign workers, and it makes Filipinos stand out among the crowd. If you want to work in Dubai, then you must upgrade or improve your skills and education. The best way to get a job is to apply for a legitimate recruitment agency. It must be POEA licensed. You can check the accredited POEA agencies here. You can also register in this site, and find accredited jobs in Dubai.

Working and living in Dubai
You need a work permit or working visa to become a legitimate foreign worker. A working visa is  valid for two years or the total of months indicated in your contract. Once your visa is expired, you are not allowed to extend your stay in Dubai. In some cases, Dubai issues an employment before coming to Dubai. The employer must process your working visa within 30 days or the period stated. If you have a Tourist or Visit Visa, then you are not allowed to work in Dubai. An OFW or a foreign worker can sponsor his / her immediate family, but his/her salary must be AED 3,000 – 10,000.00 monthly. The cost of Visit Visa is AED 120.00 for a year.
You cannot work in Dubai if you have the following diseases:

• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatits B
• leprosy
• tuberculosis
• hypertension
• diabetes
• cancer
• psychiatric disease
• physical disabilities

Many Filipinos do the “sharing” method in Dubai. This is to cut their daily expenses. This city is considered as one of the most expensive city in UAE. It has a high cost of living. Some employers provide allowances for housing, food, and transportation.

Things that you CAN DO and CANNOT DO in Dubai.
Do’s in Dubai

• Bring a copy of marriage certificate if you are with your spouse.
• Always bring your passport and "'Pataka”. You can show this to the authority in case they will ask your identity and residential permit.
• Always apply sunscreen to your skin and wear sunglasses to protect yourself against heat.
• Use your right hand when greeting someone. Left hand is considered dirty to Muslims.
• Respect Muslim religion. Do not make fun of their culture.

Don’ts in Dubai

• Do not eat in public places or in front of Muslim during Ramadan.
• Avoid public display of affection with your partner.
• Do not wear revealing outfits especially for ladies.
• Do not curse or say bad words. If caught you will be detained.
• Do not take pictures of government properties, locals, especially ladies without proper permission.
• Unmarried couples are not allowed to live together in one roof, according to Sharia Law.
• Do not carry prohibited items when you enter Dubai. Example of these objects are pornographic materials, drugs, and alcohol.

Labor Laws in Dubai.
It is very important for you as a foreigner to know the labor laws of the country you will be working. This is to prevent problems as a foreign worker. Here are the following information:

• There is no income tax in Dubai.
• Work days are during Saturday – Wednesday (8 hours a day).Thursday and Friday are weekends for Muslim.
• You are entitled for benefits like health insurance, food and housing allowance.
• The minimum period of employment contract is 2 years.
• A foreign worker is entitled for a 14 day leave with pay a year.
• Contract must be sent and signed before you go to UAE.
• Your contract must be in English version aside from the Arabic version.
• Muslim employees should only work from 9 am to 1 pm only during Ramadan. Non-Muslim are allowed to report but is entitled to receive overtime pay.
• Employer will shoulder your hospitalization bill once you are admitted to the hospital,
• You will still received a full salary during your sickness recovery that will not exceed six months.

Resources:
www.workabroad.ph, www.dubaifaqs.com, www.mol.gov.ae

4 Things that you must know before you work as an OFW

A recruitment agency from Manila phoned me last night. I was asked if I am interested to work in an International School in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia. 

So I asked the lady caller how did she get my information. She told me that she have seen my resume in workabroad.ph. 

I was told everything about the job offered in KSA, and I was asked to visit their office in Ermita, Manila today at 3 pm because the employer wants to see me personally. 

Unfortunately, I declined the offer due to my work commitment. I also made a promise to my wife that I will be on her side when she gives birth to our baby this coming March.

While I was lying in my bed last night, I kept on thinking about our conversation on the phone. What if the job is not real? What if the recruiting agency is not a licensed agency? 

So this morning, when I arrived in my workplace, the first thing I did is to check the agency’s profile in Workabroad and POEA.

I found out that they have a valid license and they are authorize by POEA to operate as a recruiting agency.

This is a good sign that the agency is real and recognize by our government. 

However, it does not mean that you will just ‘dive in’ and grab the opportunity abroad. 

This is what always happen to most Filipinos who wants to work abroad. Once they accepted the job, and started working in a foreign company, then problems will come out. 

Before you finally accept the job offered abroad by a recruitment agency, you must consider the following things:

1. Contract. What is a contract?

“A contract is a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law.” –Word Web Dictionary

You will read on your contract about your salary, job description, allowances, company’s policies, etc. Before you sign a contract, you must understand everything. If something is not clear, then ask question. Also, keep a copy of your contract for yourself.

2. Salary. Most agencies have a set of salary for a certain job. However, it is not yet final. You can still negotiate with the recruiting agency, if you feel that it is not enough. 

You must also remember that your salary will be based on your qualification, skills, degree earned, work experiences, etc. 

If you think you did not meet the company’s salary scale, then do not expect a lot. 

If you are uncertain about your salary, you can contact POEA in this number. 

How about overtime jobs? A good company will pay a worker who will still work after regular working hours. But you must follow the company’s policy about overtime job.

3. Benefits. An OFW is entitled to receive benefits while working abroad. 

Does the company offers housing allowance? How about bonuses, health and accident insurance?

Your recruiting agency must also process your POEA / OWWA membership.

Your membership will cover your SSS, Philhealth.

Being a member will also help you once you encounter a problem abroad. It is also beneficial to your dependents.

4. Working Condition. Before you leave our country, you must know what will be your working condition.

This is very important so you will not be surprised once you arrived in the country of your destination. 

Some agencies provide seminars about the country’s culture, do’s and don'ts, basic information, etc. If there will be no seminar, then you can do it by yourself. You can search the internet or read books. This will give you idea of the country you will be working. 

To work abroad is not easy as what you think. So before you work in other country,always remember that you have the right to know everything about your job.