Singapore Expats

Hello everyone.

My wife has been granted an internal move to SG and I am applying for jobs, and am desperately hoping to avoid another year of trailing-spouse-related unemployment, and to secure a job before we confirm.

I worked in SG for several years until 2016. My salary at that point reached 15k/month. I have great experience at global corporations, and degrees from good universities (BSc and MBA) but nothing in my job search so far.

I am applying for jobs within banking technology but anecdotally people say the likelihood of getting an interview is higher if I am inside SG.

Is this because the EP approval is easier if you're on a DP within Singapore, or is this just an aversion to relocation fees or perceived additional hassle/risk?

From my point of view, I can be in Singapore tomorrow - it makes literally no difference - but we want to avoid moving until I get a job. Do I really have to cut ties and move before employers consider me?

(Obviously, rejections so far may be because people don't rate my skills and experience, or general preference/obligation for local hires, but I'm interested in the physical location aspect of this.)

Thanks in advance!

There's no difference between EP and DP from a quota basis now.

You don't have a network which makes it harder.

Singapore firms are adverse to hiring from outside.

You need to connect with hiring managers and explain this to them (that you can move quickly).

Can you continue at your current job on a remote basis?

Many thanks for the reply - that clarifies the main question I had. I'll have to try and be even clearer about my situation.

I could continue my Australian job remotely but I'm not sure that will be a long term solution. I work for an Australian sub-contracting agency for a global firm (who have an entity in SG) who then provide services to an Australian bank that also has an entity in Singapore (who are too small for me to transfer to). Could be a bit complicated...

I'd try to negotiate a country transfer on a hybrid basis (commute back every few weeks?).

I was looking for another job while I was already working in Singapore and I had a feeling it doesn't really make anything easier... All initial interviews are online anyway. Of course my situation and position was different. But in general, the problem is more about getting the EP, not relocating. Maybe the only difference is that when you are already here, you can do some networking.

nelyanne wrote: ↑

Fri, 13 May 2022 11:19 am

I was looking for another job while I was already working in Singapore and I had a feeling it doesn't really make anything easier... All initial interviews are online anyway. Of course my situation and position was different. But in general, the problem is more about getting the EP, not relocating. Maybe the only difference is that when you are already here, you can do some networking.

yeah but employers knew you were here already....

^^^^^makes all the difference in the world.