What happened to expats if they get retrenched?

[raptor_from_vietnam]

With the corporate world being increasingly volatile, I can't help but wonder what usually happen when the expats here get laid off while they are still in EPs? Do most pack their stuff and head home? Or try to scramble to find a new job? I guess if they are married, and their spouse is working as well, then they can stay on dependent pass and have some time to find jobs? Do you guys know anyone in that situation?

[malcontent]

We have seen many posts on this forum from people in the exact situation you describe. Once a pass is cancelled you typically get a 30 day SVP to figure out what you are going to do. This is especially stressful for local hires not sent by the employer to Singapore. If the employer sent you, they will usually find you a job back at the office in your home country.

It often depends how attractive their home country is compared to Singapore. Expats from Western countries usually do not find it such a hardship, at least not financially. For those married to locals, LTVP is a safety net that is frequently used. For others, being sent back to a developing country with limited opportunities for high paying jobs, this can be a much more dire situation — they often use the 30 days SVP in a desperate search for another employer willing to sponsor them.

Under EFMA, employers are generally required to pay for an EP holder’s airline ticket back to their home country. I was a local hire and my employer did comply with this and provided me a one-way ticket home, which saved me $2,200, even though I was the one who voluntarily resigned.

[Strong Eagle]

All companies that request an EP must agree to repatriate the employee when the EP is cancelled. This can be changed by employment contract or an agreement with the employee; otherwise the company is on the hook to send you home.

You must find a job within the 30 day SVP window, or you must leave the country. This is one of the serious downsides to living in Singapore as an expat... you have absolutely no expectation of permanent residence.

[smoulder]

I had a colleague from India who was retrenched. He was at a decent salary band (in a local bank as an IS architect).

So in total he had 60 days. 30 days of notice and another 30 days on SVP thereafter. I could see that he was quite desperate to not have to go back to India. He was searching for a job and he had applied for PR as well. Needless to say, nothing worked out and he had to head back. This was in 2019.

As pointed out, what goes through people's minds varies drastically depending on the options available to them which in turn has a lot to do with their country of origin.

[raptor_from_vietnam]

Thank you all for the input!