- February 14, 2023
- Posted by: Vivek Sharma
- Category: Knowledge Base
Singapore is a hub for international businesses, making it an attractive location for foreign talent to work in. To support this, the country offers several types of work visas, including the Personalized Employment Pass (PEP).
The Personalised Employment Pass is a type of work visa specifically designed for high-skilled professionals and executives. Not linked to any specific employer, the PEP is different from the traditional Employment Pass (S Pass) and Employment Pass (EP) as it provides more flexibility and a longer validity period.
The Pass is valid for a period of 3 years and is non-renewable. One of the primary benefits of this is the fact that the unemployment holder can look for suitable job opportunities in Singapore for a period of 6 months.
Eligibility Criteria for the PEP
To be eligible for the Personalised Employment Pass, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
1. Minimum Monthly Salary: The applicant must earn a minimum monthly salary of $18,000 or more.
2. Qualification: The applicant must have a relevant university degree and a minimum of five years of working experience.
3. Age: The applicant must be below the age of 60 years old.
With respect to the minimum salary requirement, it is to be noted that from 1st September 2023 onwards, the determined monthly salary criteria for both EP holders and overseas foreign professionals is set to be increased to $22,500, which is benchmarked to the top 10% of the EP holders.
It is also essential to clarify that holders of EP under sponsorship scheme, freelancers, journalists, editors, producers, sole proprietor or partner and shareholders in registered companies are not eligible for the PEP. Moreover, the PEP is not meant for those willing to start a business in Singapore or engage in entrepreneurial activities.
Benefits of the PEP
The Personalised Employment Pass offers several benefits over other types of work visas in Singapore. Some of these benefits include:
1. Flexibility: The PEP allows the holder to switch jobs more easily compared to other work visas. The holder does not have to obtain a new work visa every time they change employers.
2. Longer Validity Period: The PEP has a validity period of five years, compared to two years for the Employment Pass and one year for the S Pass.
3. Spouse and Dependent Benefits: The spouse and children of the PEP holder are also eligible to apply for a Dependent Pass, allowing them to live and study in Singapore.
4. No Quota Restrictions: Unlike the S Pass, the PEP is not subject to quotas, making it easier for eligible candidates to obtain a work visa in Singapore.
5. Priority Processing: The PEP application process is given priority by the Ministry of Manpower, making it faster for eligible candidates to obtain a work visa.
How to apply for the PEP
The process of applying for a Personalised Employment Pass involves several steps, including the following:
1. Obtain a Letter of Offer from a Singapore-based employer.
2. Submit the application to the Ministry of Manpower.
3. Provide all necessary documentation, including the Letter of Offer, passport, and educational and work certificates.
4. Wait for the approval of the Ministry of Manpower.
Overall, the entire procedure can be completed in as early as 8 weeks, making this undeniably convenient for the applicants. On the approval of the application, the concerned parties are provided an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which is valid for six (6) months. Within this stipulated period, the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) expects the Pass to be duly collected.
The concerned individuals are also supposed to keep the related Authorities updated regarding critical changes, such as those to employment status, contact number, residential address and travel documents annual salary, amongst others.
It is undeniable that many of the applications are rejected if the eligibility requirements are not met. However, applicants are provided an advantageous 3-month window to submit an appeal against the rejection. However, since the reasons for rejection are never disclosed, it is always recommended to seek professional guidance while reapplying.
It is to be noted that the Pass may be effectively replaced within 7 days in the case of it being lost or damaged. The processes of cancellation are highly hassle-free, possibly being conducted immediately online.
The PEP is regarded as the all-important gateway to the Singapore Permanent Residence (PR), if the applicant wishes to continue serving and living in Singapore. Specifically, this may be carried out through Professional, Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers (PTS) scheme, on providing the requisite proof of the salary statement of 6 months.
Conclusion
The Personalised Employment Pass is a valuable option for high-skilled professionals and executives looking to work in Singapore. With its flexible eligibility criteria, longer validity period, and benefits for spouses and dependents, the PEP provides a valuable opportunity for foreign talent to live and work in this dynamic country. Being essentially self-sponsored, the Personalised Employment Pass provides the much-needed autonomy or flexibility to high-calibre professionals with top-notch technical knowledge and domain expertise to enable them to pursue desirable and lucrative professional engagements.