Applying For An EP To Work In Singapore In 2021: Accela’s Q4 Work Pass Processing Update
Photo by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash
A lot can change in a year, and anyone applying for a work pass in Singapore in late 2021 is up for more of a challenge than the same time in 2020.
Over the past year, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has introduced greater restrictions on the qualifying salaries for work passes, tighter quotas for businesses, and has abolished the Letter of Consent (LOC).
All of this, as PM Lee outlined in his National Day rally speech, is to ensure Singaporeans are considered first for good jobs in companies based here.
But Singapore is an international business hub that is currently experiencing its most acute talent shortage in 15 years, and companies will always be looking to hire foreign talent to grow international teams.
Most foreign professionals are hired on an Employment Pass (EP), while mid-skilled workers, such as service staff, are hired on an S Pass.
Here at Accela, our Work Pass Processing team has noticed a stark change in the MOM’s requirements and processing timeframes over the past 12 months.
Most Applications Are Rejected In Their First Round
Earlier this year we said that many work pass applications were being met with requests for more documentation, but now we’re seeing that most are rejected on their first round. The same applies to work pass renewals. Even applications and renewals for highly-skilled professionals in foreign headquartered companies are commonly rejected.
This has added significantly to the average processing times, as well as to the workload of the companies applying for work passes. At Accela, we’re seeing the standard length of time for a new work pass approval or a work pass renewal is now two months from the date the application is first lodged with MOM.
Preparing Your Documents In Advance To Save Time
MOM will always require copies of the applicant’s passport and education certificate, and recently added education verification to the list. It definitely helps to get these prepared in advance to reduce the turnaround time.
MOM also asks for bank statements and client invoices from the company to prove they have the financial means to support the EP applicant’s salary. Accela typically advises companies to prepare information and invoices from their three biggest clients, and preferably these should be from within the past three months.
MOM also frequently asks for a list of staff at the company, and proof that the company has interviewed and considered Singaporeans or Singapore Permanent Residents for the role before settling on a foreigner. Make sure you abide by the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices, where recruitment is based on merit, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, marital status and family responsibilities, or disability.
Pitch Your Case And Your Candidate
A cover letter is critical to getting your work pass application over the line. Accela helps our clients prepare a cover letter to pitch why the applicant is going to be integral to the growth of the company or organisation. The letter should also explain how the company will contribute to Singapore’s economy and long-term business landscape.
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If you find your work pass applications and renewals keep getting rejected, the Accela Work Pass Processing team is happy to look at the reasons why, and to advise you on reworking your pitch. Get in touch: [email protected].