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Healthcare Infrastructure

A well-organized network of hospitals, clinics, and emergency services providing accessible healthcare to all citizens.

Sections

a. Work Passes

  1. Employment Pass (EP):

    • For professionals, managers, and executives earning at least SGD 5,000 per month (SGD 6,000 for financial services).
    • Requires a job offer from a Singapore-based employer.
    • Valid for up to 2 years (renewable).

  2. S Pass:

    • For mid-skilled workers earning at least SGD 3,000 per month (SGD 3,150 for financial services).
    • Quota and levy requirements apply to employers.

  3. Work Permit:

    • For semi-skilled or unskilled workers in industries like construction, manufacturing, and domestic work.
    • Subject to strict quotas and levies.

  4. EntrePass:

    • For entrepreneurs starting and operating a business in Singapore.
    • Requires a business plan and proof of innovation or economic contribution.

  5. Personalised Employment Pass (PEP):

    • For high-earning professionals (minimum SGD 144,000 annual salary) or existing EP holders.
    • Not tied to a specific employer.

b. Student Pass

  • Required for international students enrolled in full-time courses at approved institutions.
  • Application is submitted through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

c. Dependant’s Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass

  • For family members of Employment Pass or S Pass holders.
  • Dependant’s Pass: For legally married spouses and children under 21.
  • Long-Term Visit Pass: For common-law spouses, stepchildren, or parents.

d. Permanent Residency (PR)

  • PR status allows immigrants to live, work, and study in Singapore without additional permits.
  • Common pathways include:
    • Employment Pass or S Pass holders.
    • Spouses or children of Singapore citizens or PRs.
    • Investors under the Global Investor Programme (GIP).

e. Singapore Citizenship

  • Available to PRs who have lived in Singapore for at least 2 years.
  • Requires renunciation of previous citizenship (Singapore does not allow dual citizenship).

3. Immigration Procedures

The immigration process in Singapore is highly structured and managed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Below are the general steps:

a. Work Pass Application

  1. Eligibility Check:

    • Ensure the applicant meets the salary, qualifications, and experience requirements.
    • Employers must meet quota and levy requirements for S Pass and Work Permits.

  2. Submission:

    • Applications are submitted online via MOM’s portal.
    • Supporting documents include educational certificates, employment contracts, and passport details.

  3. Processing Time:

    • Employment Pass: 3 weeks (online) or 8 weeks (manual).
    • S Pass: 3 weeks.
    • Work Permit: 1 week.

  4. Approval and Issuance:

    • Once approved, the pass is issued, and the applicant can begin work.

b. Permanent Residency Application

  1. Eligibility Check:

    • Ensure the applicant meets the criteria (e.g., holding an EP or S Pass for at least 6 months).

  2. Submission:

    • Applications are submitted online via the ICA’s e-Service portal.
    • Required documents include proof of employment, tax returns, and family details.

  3. Processing Time:

    • Typically 4-6 months, but it can take longer depending on the volume of applications.

  4. Outcome:

    • Successful applicants receive an in-principle approval letter and must complete formalities at ICA.

c. Student Pass Application

  1. Institution Application:

    • Apply to an approved educational institution.
    • The institution will initiate the Student Pass application.

  2. Submission:

    • Submit the application via ICA’s Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration (SOLAR) system.

  3. Processing Time:

    • 2-4 weeks.

4. Costs of Immigration

The costs associated with immigration to Singapore vary depending on the visa type and application process. Below is a breakdown:

a. Work Passes

  • Employment Pass: SGD 105 (application) + SGD 225 (issuance).
  • S Pass: SGD 105 (application) + SGD 225 (issuance).
  • Work Permit: SGD 35 (application) + SGD 35 (issuance).

b. Permanent Residency

  • Application Fee: SGD 100.
  • Additional costs for medical examinations and document notarization.

c. Student Pass

  • Application Fee: SGD 30.
  • Issuance Fee: SGD 60.

d. Citizenship

  • Application Fee: SGD 100.
  • Renunciation of previous citizenship may incur additional costs.

5. Key Considerations for Immigrants

a. Cultural Sensitivity

  • Singapore is a multicultural society with Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities. Respect for cultural and religious diversity is essential.
  • English is the working language, but Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil are also official languages.

b. Cost of Living

  • Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Housing, healthcare, and education costs should be carefully considered.

c. Legal Compliance

  • Overstaying or working without the proper permits can result in heavy fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
  • Employers are responsible for ensuring their foreign employees have valid work passes.

d. Healthcare

  • Foreign workers are not covered under Singapore’s subsidized healthcare system (MediShield Life).
  • Employers are required to provide medical insurance for Work Permit and S Pass holders.

e. Taxes

  • Foreign workers are subject to income tax. Tax rates depend on residency status and income level.

f. Pathway to PR and Citizenship

  • PR and citizenship applications are competitive. Factors like economic contribution, family ties, and integration into society are considered.

6. Resources for Immigrants

This guide provides a detailed overview of immigration to Singapore. For specific cases, it is advisable to consult official resources or seek professional advice.