Singapore labor laws

Immigration to Singapore is attractive for specialists from different countries due to the country’s growing economy, high standard of living, and stable political system. Today, one-third of the jurisdiction’s population are foreigners working in various spheres of the state’s economy. Recently, the trend towards an increase in wages and the persistence of a low unemployment rate, a high level of productivity, and social guarantees are attracting more and more foreign specialists to the territory of Singapore.

Benefits of working in Singapore. To work in Singapore, you must obtain a work permit, and after moving to the country, you must comply with the rules and laws. However, Singapore’s employment law has many benefits.

One of the main advantages is the equality of local and foreign workers. In other words, all workers in the country are equally protected by Singapore labor laws. Employers who mistreat foreign workers or exceed their job responsibilities will be severely punished. The Ministry of Labor imposes special conditions on employers to issue work permits to protect foreign workers and ensure their welfare.

• First, the employer is responsible and bears the cost of technical and medical services.
• Secondly, it is obliged to provide safe working conditions.
• Thirdly, under no circumstances does an employer have the right to demand from a foreign employee and receive payment in monetary or other terms as compensation for hiring this employee. It also does not have the right to claim coverage of expenses related to the employment of a foreign worker.

In case of premature Singapore labor law termination, the employment agency will reimburse a minimum of 50% of the agency fee collected from the foreign worker.

Another advantage is an invaluable experience. At first, it will be difficult for a foreign worker. However, having adapted to Singapore, he will have a unique chance to gain experience working with people from different countries, work in an international business center, enroll, if desired, in one of the country’s universities, or improve their qualifications.

Finding a job for migrants in Singapore

First of all, all workers should familiarize themselves with the Singapore employment law. Foreign workers work in all sectors of the country, especially in the construction and maritime services sector. In addition, foreigners can work in such areas as:

• wholesale
• professional services
• information Technology
• electronics
• transportation and storage
• food and drinks
• tourism
• administrative and support services
• production of machinery
• processing of minerals
• the science
• chemical and pharmaceutical products.

Due to the government’s policy to curb the inflow of foreign labor, the growth rate of the number of foreign specialists has significantly decreased.

Where to look for work to immigrate to Singapore? As in any other country where information technology is developed, the internet is the main place for finding a job. The most popular resources are JobsCentral.com and monster.com. There are other less popular sites with up-to-date information on vacancies. However, only these resources help their visitors to create a resume, thereby increasing the chances of getting a job. Vacancies in government organizations are published on the resource. You can also browse the sites of large companies in Singapore, as many publish information about vacancies on their sites.

Lovers of paper media can look for work through newspapers.

Another way is the annual job fair organized by the Professional Center.

Singapore work visas

A foreign worker can obtain four types of work visas to work under the Singapore employment law.

• The first type of work pass (Employment Pass or EP) is the most common type of work visa in Singapore. It can be used by individual entrepreneurs or foreign workers planning to work in the jurisdiction. Among the main requirements are higher education and wages, which are not lower than the minimum amount established by the Ministry of Labor. The visa term is from 1 to 2 years, after which, if the place of work remains the same, you need to extend the EP or, if you have found a new place of work, get a new visa. Work pass holders can subsequently apply for permanent resident status.
• The second type is an entrepreneur pass (Entrepreneur Pass or EntrePass). It is only possible to extend the visa term if the business is proven to be viable. Holders of an Entrepreneur Pass can subsequently apply for permanent resident status. It is essential to know how Singapore’s labor law termination works for working in this country.
• The third kind of S Pass. The main condition for obtaining a work permit should not be lower than the threshold set by the Ministry of Labor. The validity period is from 1 to 2 years with the right of extension, subject to continuing work at the same place of work. With more than four years of stable employment and residence in the country, the S pass holder can apply for permanent resident status.
• The fourth type is a personal work pass (Personalized Employment Pass or PEP). This type of visa has several advantages, but only those who meet the most severe conditions, namely highly qualified, highly paid specialists, can get it. There are no restrictions on the type of work; you can move from one company to another without obtaining a new visa. It is valid for up to 5 years without the right to renew.

To obtain a visa, you need to prepare several documents, including a passport, fresh passport-sized photographs, a visa application form, a document confirming the payment of fees, a diploma of graduation from higher and/or secondary vocational education, documents on advanced training (if any), and an employment contract.

The recruitment process in Singapore

Singapore labor laws and emigration are possible only upon obtaining a work permit and can be obtained after agreeing with an employer. Having found a suitable vacancy, you need to submit your biography or resume, where the employee indicates all the crucial details related to the vacancy. 

• The document should be drawn up professionally, adhering to the chronology, since most employers prefer to study the resume in this way, from the first place of work to the last. 
• It is recommended that you attach a passport-sized photograph.
• The recruiting process may differ from company to company. Some require a resume, some an interactive application prepared according to their recommendations. However, regardless of the application form, it will be considered as soon as possible. 
• Also, most companies may request an interview. Foreigners pass it over the phone and then in person or through a video conference. But in the subsequent case, the employer reserves the right to refuse a personal interview.
• English is the primary language of business and can be used when writing a resume and communicating with an employer. Chinese dialects are widely used, so their knowledge is only welcome. Knowledge of two or more languages ​​is also encouraged. Be sure to include this information on your resume.

Living and working conditions under the Singapore employment law. A work permit holder must comply with conditions that include:

• work for a specified company and a specified employer in a work permit
• being banned from participating in another business or starting your own business
• accommodation at the address indicated by the employer when hiring- if you change your residential address, you must inform the employer
• undergoing a medical examination by a local doctor- if you are recognized as professionally unfit, the work permit is canceled
• carrying with you the original work permit and presenting it for verification at the first request of a civil servant
• payment to the employment agency in the amount of a monthly salary for a year, but not more than two months’ salary, even if an employment contract is signed for more than 2 years.

Restrictions for workers in Singapore

If you want to get a work permit, you should also know about the prohibitions that you will have:

• a ban on marrying a permanent resident or citizen of within or outside the country without the approval of the Work Permit Controller
• a ban on conceiving and having a child during the validity of a work permit while married to a citizen or permanent resident with the permission of the Work Permit Controller

These restrictions apply not only until Singapore labor law termination but also in the event of revocation or revocation of the permit.

We should also pay attention to the employment contract, which spells out all the rights and obligations of a foreign worker and employer. Firstly, it prescribes the size of wages and payment terms and the conditions of retention- for example, for being late or absent from work, adjusting wage overpayments, and others. Secondly, the hours of work and the amount of overtime pay are prescribed. Thirdly, the weekend, the amount of payment for going to work on the day off, the employer’s obligation to pay for holidays (national holidays), the amount and duration of leave, the right to sick leave under certain conditions, and the terms of its payment are indicated.

Social security of employees. Singapore is a country with high-quality working conditions, notable examples of low unemployment, and high living standards. In the jurisdiction, the social security system is represented by the Central Reserve Fund, which requires the payment of specific amounts from both the employer and the employee. Having an account in the Reserve Fund guarantees the payment of pensions, the provision of medical services, the receipt of government assistance to protect the family or help the poor, and much more.

FAQ

What does the Labor of Singapore law guarantee?

One of the main advantages is the equality of local and foreign workers. In other words, all workers in the country are equally protected by Singapore labor laws.

How to find a job in Singapore?

To conduct a paid professional activity in Singapore territory, a foreigner must obtain a work visa from the Singapore diplomatic office in his country; this requires finding an employer in advance, signing an employment contract, and obtaining a work permit.

Does Singapore have labor laws?

Yes, and this law is also the main labor legislation. This law provides for basic working conditions for all categories of workers.

• What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Singapore? Is my presence required when opening a bank account?

The requirements for opening a bank account differ somewhat in different banking structures. Most banks require the personal presence of the signatory when opening a bank account.

• Can an employee be fired in Singapore for no reason?

Yes, the employer can unilaterally terminate the contract if the employee violates the contract. In addition, the employer can terminate the contract without notifying the employee and without paying salaries instead of notification.