How COVID-19 Has Impacted Work Pass Applications In Singapore
Photo by Julien de Salaberry on Unsplash
Getting an employment pass (EP) in Singapore can be a daunting task, from securing an offer to relocating and starting your new role. In the midst of uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become even more challenging, with new updates and guidelines being released every other day.
As Singapore finds itself in the midst of Phase 2 of reopening and the pandemic has persisted across the globe, borders remain closed (as with many countries) to reduce the risk of imported cases. To further manage the possibility of imported cases, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has suspended work pass applications for applicants who are currently overseas.
This decision is likely to prevent newly approved pass holders from coming into Singapore during this phase of the country’s social distancing measures, to further underpin the successes Singapore has had so far with curbing imported infections. This has caused applicants who were in the middle of the work pass process suddenly see their new employment in Singapore put on hold indefinitely.
Due to COVID-19, many companies have incurred significant financial loss and are hesitant to continue recruiting and bringing on new hires. Similarly, candidates who are in various recruitment processes are also concerned about the likelihood of changing jobs, securing an EP and onboarding virtually.
However, it’s not all bad news, as we have observed a trend that candidates who are already in Singapore are seeing much more success with changes in employment. During this period, EP applications and renewals for employees residing in Singapore tend to be approved faster, without much questioning, and with longer validity.
This could be due to a limited number of candidates in the market, and with a need to ensure companies are getting the required manpower to sustain the economy’s viability, applications and renewals rates are given a boost. That being said, MOM has not reduced their vigilance – company profiles and candidates are still being questioned appropriately, and candidate eligibility is still a qualifying condition for EP applications. The scheduled increase in EP qualifying salary to SGD 3,900 (up from SGD 3,600) in May 2020 has gone ahead quietly despite the pandemic after its initial announcement in March 2020.
While there is no official communication as to when Singapore will return to ‘the new normal’, it is likely that when Singapore enters Phase 3 of reopening, new applicants and pass holders can look forward to coming into Singapore, and overseas candidates can start their EP application process again.
At Accela Talent, our work pass processing services have remained active throughout the pandemic. Our team is busy keeping ourselves updated on the latest news and trends, so we can best advise our existing and potential clients about the climate to help them stand a better chance in their application. We also diligently track the processing outcomes, so we have both a macro and micro view on the work pass processing environment.
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If you would like to know more about how we can put forth your best work pass application in the midst of COVID-19, contact the Accela Talent team to set up a preliminary discussion: [email protected].