Let's face it, kabayan. We are all looking for greener pastures. And frankly, the Philippine situation right now is not ideal for dreamers who need to support their families and their own dreams. I'm not saying that there are no good job opportunities in the Philippines. What I'm saying is there are opportunities beyond the country--such as in Singapore.
So, can Filipinos work in Singapore? The answer is Yes! Read on if you want to know everything about working as a Filipino in Singapore.
Singapore offers a promising and dynamic job market. As a Filipino working in Singapore, your Filipina Ate can attest to the diverse opportunities available here. According to the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, there are about 200,000 overseas Filipinos (or Overseas Filipino Workers) in Singapore as of 2022. More than half of that number is composed of professionals and skilled workers, the remaining are household service workers or domestic helpers.
Where to start looking for jobs in Singapore
Your Filipina Ate in Singapore recommends you use the internet if you're looking for a job in Singapore. I found my job in online job portals, like Indeed and LinkedIn.
In fact, I'd go as far as saying that the internet is your best friend. You can start by exploring popular online job portals like JobStreet, LinkedIn, and Indeed.
These platforms are frequently updated with job vacancies from various companies, making it easier for you to find the perfect fit for your skills and qualifications.
It's not too easy though. Of course, we are considered foreign talents (FTs) in Singapore. We are treated by the locals as their competitors. Professionals and skilled workers need to have a permit to be able to work in any company in Singapore. This permit is not given to just anyone. There's a "quota" for local employers that grant them the privilege of hiring foreign talents, and this quota is not a lot. So sometimes it's a game of luck really.
Smaller companies typically don't have a lot of quotas for foreign talent. If I were you, it might be best to look at large companies as they would have more quota to hire non-local applicants.
Other platforms to look for a job in Singapore would be online forums where our kababayans share job vacancies in their companies. Usually, these groups are on Facebook.
Some Filipinos go to Singapore to try to look for a job. They would fly here as tourists (if they're lucky to successfully be approved by the Immigration in the Philippines) and would try their luck applying while they're here. But of course that's quite tough as you'd spend money living here for at most 30 days (and that's not cheap).
Understanding the Quota System in Singapore
As mentioned above, Singapore employs a quota system for foreign workers to maintain a balance in its workforce. As foreigners, we have to understand that the Singaporean government prioritises hiring local talents (Don't be surprised, all other countries, as far as I know, would do this, lol). For me, we have to be thankful they provide opportunities for non-locals to work in this great city. But of course, we have to prove we deserve the quota. Anyway, more on that in the latter part of this post. Let's understand the Singapore quota system first.
The specific quota for your industry and the number of EPs (Employment Pass) and S Passes your potential employer can apply for will depend on the company's size and industry (tip: try your luck in bigger companies and in "vital" industries like technology, finance, and healthcare).
Let us differentiate the different types of passes (or permits or visas) that we can get in Singapore as an employee:
Types of Employment Permits in Singapore
1. Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass is designed for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and technicians (PMETs) seeking to work in managerial or executive roles in Singapore. As a Filipino applicant, you must meet specific criteria, including possessing relevant qualifications (accepted licences for architects, doctors, engineers, for example), professional experience (best if you have sound experience in the industry), and a job offer from a Singaporean employer. Employers hiring foreign talents under the EP framework must ensure that they comply with the prevailing quota for their industry and company size.
2. S Pass
The S Pass is intended for mid-skilled foreign workers who hold technical certificates or diplomas. It caters to job positions that require specialized skills and moderate qualifications. If you are a Filipino professional with a specialized skillset, the S Pass might be a viable option for you. Similar to the EP, the S Pass also has a quota requirement that employers must adhere to.
3. Work Permit
The Work Permit is primarily for semi-skilled and unskilled foreign workers seeking employment in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and services. Filipino workers seeking opportunities in these industries can explore the Work Permit route. Employers hiring under the Work Permit framework must meet specific dependency ratio ceilings, which vary based on the sector.
For our kababayans who are in Singapore as domestic helpers (or MDWs - migrant domestic worker), there's a separate work permit for them. This permit allows employers in Singapore to hire foreign domestic helpers for their households.
Essentially, to get any of the above employment permits in Singapore, you have to apply for the position. The company must have a quota to hire you and you must possess the relevant qualifications. The Ministry of Manpower (like the Department of Labor and Employment in the Philippines) gets the final say on whether or not to approve and grant you a permit.
The reality of working as a foreign talent in Singapore
Living and working in Singapore is an exciting adventure, but it's essential to be prepared for the realities that come with it. The work environment here is fast-paced and demanding, but it also provides ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.
As someone who has joined the Singapore workforce for a few years now, I must tell you that every day is like a chance to prove that your employer hired the best candidate for the job. It's a never-ending process of proving your capabilities to your team. I don't know if that feeling is just my perfectionist and hardworking self, but I believe the feeling is valid and common.
By the way, in case you don't know it yet, once you get any of the employment permits above, it does not mean you can stay at your work forever (walang forever! chauce!). The permit has a validity period. Usually, it's one year to two years. After that, the employer chooses to renew your permit or not. That means before your permit expires, you have to give your employers a reason to extend or renew you in their company. So that explains what I mentioned above about constantly proving yourself to the team.
Singapore has a bustling lifestyle. Here, you must be able to embrace the multicultural aspect of this Asian hub. You'll interact with people from all over the world, fostering a rich and diverse community. There will be language barriers, as Singaporeans speak a different kind of English and accent. They also speak too fast sometimes, especially in their daily conversations, but over time, you'll be able to understand the language better. I even know people who also speak with the Singaporean accent already!
With regard to the cost of living, it's really high. Expect to pay 600 SGD each month for rent, 100 SGD per month for telephone bills and transportation, 20 to 30 SGD per day for hawker meals.
Salaries in Singapore can vary widely depending on your industry, experience, and qualifications. On average, professionals can expect a competitive salary that often surpasses what you might earn in the same position in the Philippines. But again, consider the higher cost of living factored into your budget.
As your Filipina Ate in Singapore, what I can advise you is this: Be mentally prepared to face the realities of a fast-paced work environment and a new culture in Singapore. Take advantage of online job portals, network with professionals, and customize your application to stand out to potential employers.
May your dream of working in the Lion City become a reality!
Cheers,
Your Filipina Ate in Singapore
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