Singapore Expats

Hi all,

My REP is expiring next year and I've been stuck in Malaysia due to COVID. I'm still handling my Singapore job from Malaysia (job nature allows working remotely without physical office) and continue to be on Singapore payroll, contributing to CPF and taxes. Would like to know if my REP renewal will be rejected if I renew via myICA?

wilson.chan wrote: ↑

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 2:15 am

Hi all,

My REP is expiring next year and I've been stuck in Malaysia due to COVID. I'm still handling my Singapore job from Malaysia (job nature allows working remotely without physical office) and continue to be on Singapore payroll, contributing to CPF and taxes. Would like to know if my REP renewal will be rejected if I renew via myICA?

How long have you been stuck in Malaysia?

With the VTL with Malaysia starting soon, you should try to come back before your REP expires and then try to renew it. Even if it’s rejected, at least you’d be in Singapore (you’d still be a PR). You can then stay on here and appeal against the rejection.

However, given the unprecedented circumstances, they might still approve your REP considering you’ve been paying your taxes/contributing to CPF.

Hi mystic river,

I have been stuck for 1.5 years due to pandemic and family issues but still contributing to CPF and taxes without fail.

Yes, I plan to travel back as soon as VTL is opened. Do you think that my renewal still be rejected since I've been contributing to Singapore economy just that I can't be physically presented due to pandemic?

wilson.chan wrote: ↑

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 9:50 am

Hi mystic river,

I have been stuck for 1.5 years due to pandemic and family issues but still contributing to CPF and taxes without fail.

Yes, I plan to travel back as soon as VTL is opened. Do you think that my renewal still be rejected since I've been contributing to Singapore economy just that I can't be physically presented due to pandemic?

Can’t say for sure. They might call you and ask you to explain your absence and then make a decision even. Like I said, they might be understanding due to the circumstances.

Thanks Mystic River! That's certainly helpful!

hi wilson
but does that make you a non-resident sg tax payer since you spent less than 183 days in SG?

wilson.chan wrote: ↑

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 9:50 am

Hi mystic river,

I have been stuck for 1.5 years due to pandemic and family issues but still contributing to CPF and taxes without fail.

Yes, I plan to travel back as soon as VTL is opened. Do you think that my renewal still be rejected since I've been contributing to Singapore economy just that I can't be physically presented due to pandemic?

Hi Xingfu,

Sorry I was being occupied with family urgent matters and only able.to log in. My tax status is still under tax resident. They treated me still being in Singapore physically due to Covid, last checked with IRAS.