The decision to work in a different country is not easy, but the decision turns to be a positive one in case of a welcoming host country. Singapore attracts foreign workers because of its neat and clean environment and with about 1,386,000 foreign workers in its shores, it is one of the most preferred destinations for learning and living abroad. The results of the 2018 Foreign Worker Experience Survey indicated that 9 in 10 respondents; 86 percent of Work Permit Holders and 87.5 percent S Pass Holders are satisfied with working in Singapore. About 87 percent of the foreign workers consider their workplaces as safe.
However, as a foreign worker, a few key points that have to be considered before taking employment:
Knowing your rights as an employee
The Employment Act (Chapter 91) provides for safeguarding the rights of the foreign workers. Some basic rights have been given below:
- Foreign workers should be paid within seven days after the end of the salary period. For instance, if the salary period is from 1st July to 7th July, the latest they can be paid is 14th July, irrespective of weekends or holidays.
- If the total working hours reach more than 44 hours a week (excluding breaks and overtime), the excess hours are considered overtime. Also, the employer has to pay at least 1.5 times hourly basic rate of pay. To illustrate, if the employee is paid $5 an hour, overtime pay is $7.5 an hour). However, core provisions cover all employees, except managers and executives earning more than $4500.
Know the prevailing rent norms
Various norms have to be followed while renting a property in Singapore. Malaysian Work Permit Holders from the Marine, Construction, and Process industries are permitted to rent all types of properties. Similarly, foreign workers can only rent one room in case if they are working in the manufacturing sector.
Hence, it is common for the foreigners to rent a room in an HDB flat (public housing) that costs between $400 and $600 a month for renting a room in a private apartment may cost twice that amount. Foreign workers often consider applying for foreigner loan in Singapore for renting apartments/flats depending on their requirements.
Know the funding options available during emergencies
The region is a vibrant financial center and foreign workers can benefit from affordable access to funding in the form of foreigner loans offered by licensed moneylenders. As of March 2016, there are more than 530 licensed moneylenders operating in the region and their operations are controlled by the Ministry of Law. As per the Ministry of Law, 53,000 foreign workers took up loans from licensed moneylenders till July 2019 and there has been a growing trend related to foreign workers approaching a licensed money lender in Singapore instead of traditional banks. One reason for borrowing money from licensed moneylenders is that they are more flexible, both in documents and interest amount. Hence, if appropriate documents are submitted, foreign workers can get funding at lowest interest rates.
Choose MRT for cheaper travel
The train services in Singapore, the MRT, is cheaper and efficient when compared with cabs. A trip by using Uber may cost around $11 to $14 whereas one way train rides will not cost more than $2. For some places, the individual can reach a destination more quickly than a cab. Hence, the priority should be to learn to use MRT services as quickly as possible.
Government initiatives
The Foreigner Worker Settling-In Program (SIP) has been initiated through which the first time non-Malaysian Work Permit Holders in the marine, manufacturing, and process industries can approach the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in case of disputes related to their well-being and salary.
Although there are various rules and regulations that have to be followed, the government is committed towards protecting the rights of the foreign workers. Since there are no restrictions while providing work permit for foreign worker, it opens opportunities for qualified individuals to obtain a work permit and grow in their respective fields.