One of the most difficult things to do in Singapore is to secure a job with a Singapore Permanent Resident Renewal status. And with that, there are many factors for employers to take into account when picking the people who will be joining their business and have significant impact on their bottom line.
I’m currently a Permanent Resident of Singapore, and thus, one of the reasons employers tend to pick people with PR status is because of our many advantages; for example, we are entitled to health care benefits and education subsidies, among others.
However, I’ve been trying to find a job that was suitable for me in hopes that after one year of working I would have enough savings to apply for Unfortunately, I wasn’t very lucky and had to settle for a job working overseas at least for the next year or so. My plan was to get a PR, and then move back to Singapore as an easily employable foreigner, but with the economic crisis of late and the slowing down of economies abroad it’s been quite hard to find work where I am.
Instead of being disappointed though, I’ve taken up this opportunity as a challenge; a challenge which will help me obtain my Permanent Residency based on genuinely improving my foreign qualifications.
But before I continue, I would like to let you all know more about what Permanent Residency is and the advantages it will bring upon the holder.
How does Permanent Residency work?
Permanent Residency is a status held by foreign nationals who have received Employment Pass or PR status, or their spouses and dependents. It is permanent. The holder may apply for Singapore Permanent citizenship if they qualify under the Immigration Act (RA 107) in the future, but can never leave Singapore.
Permanent Residency card holders are entitled to:
Visa-free stay in the country for visits, travel and business.
Free healthcare and education subsidies.
Access to 50% of the Public Service Commission (PSC) remuneration grades up to $3,000 per month for those holding an Employment Pass.
Certain benefits provided under the National Sports Act, including free entry into sports centers which are facilities designated by Singapore government as Singapore Sports Hubs.
An applicant for Singapore Permanent Resident Renewal will be assessed based on their skills and professional achievements, any employment experience and residence in Singapore.
How Can I Obtain a PR Card?
There are many requirements to obtain a PR status; the most important of which is that the applicant possesses one of the following qualifications:
Higher National Diploma (HND) or Higher Diploma (HNP) from a recognised institution. Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution, or the equivalent existing national qualification from Singapore or Asia. Higher National Diploma (HND) or Higher Diploma (HNP) with a minimum of five years’ work experience on the same level as the qualification held.
There are a number of hurdles which come into play while applying for PR status, and a lot depends on what one is looking for in their future career. For example, if one is looking to get their foot into the international arena they will need to secure an employment pass first before applying for PR status. This is because it will be very difficult for them to get an Employment Pass without a PR status.
Note that the above are just basic guidelines to obtaining a status. For more details and information for specific professions, you can come in and talk to our immigration team today!
How Do I Improve My Qualifications?
Thankfully, the internet has made getting information a lot easier these days, and if one can’t find the answers, they need at home they can just search online. Be careful though, reading information online can be very misleading and may not be from authoritative sources.
The best way to go about improving your qualifications is to speak to someone who deals in the field of your interest. For example, if one wants to know about a qualification for themselves or for their child, getting information from professionals in the field is the best way to get what you need.
But there are also a lot of websites that have information for specific professions, such as teaching, nursing, and law. One can find information about qualifications and Singapore Permanent Resident Renewal on these websites. Before reading these articles, one should be cautious of the information they read and always confirm what has been said with experts in the field before accepting it as the truth.
It is a good idea to join forums or communities related to your interest. One can ask their questions regarding qualifications or requirements for their profession in these forums and will be able to get a lot of valuable information related to their interests.
Remember, though, if one is not sure about something they read online; they should enquire with someone who deals with the issue.
Check out these things
When talking to someone about their qualifications, it is important for one to make sure that such a person is legitimate. So, how does one do that?
Well for starters, there are certain things that you should never do if you want to get genuine information:
Never pay anything in order to obtain information. This will just be a waste of money and your time. And even if you were able to get the information you wanted, it might not be legitimate Singapore.