Just recently, I lost my card that says I am eligible to stay in Singapore to work. Six months ago, I lost all my passport, letter of endorsement to get a pass, birth certificate, transcipt, etc. placed in a FILO that bears all the story of my life. A little before that, a real estate agent tricked us of our money and was on the verge of paying another few thousand dollars for a house we newly rented (whew!). Otherwise, it was smooth as silk living here. (Hah!)
No, really. These are narrow escapes from exile but...
- When i lost my wallet with my work pass, it just took me 20 mins to have it replaced. My credit cards were blocked and requested in 5 mins. My local ATM was replaced over the counter.
- When I lost my FILO in the MRT, the good people of Singapore saved it, returned it to the MRT personnel and they in turn called me (repeatedly even) until I was reunited with my IDENTITY.
- When our real estate agent ripped us off, our good landlord saved the day and we got our money back plus a trusting relationship between us and our landlord emerged.
So enough of the exceptional days... what really goes on in Singapore can be written down because anyway... they are as predictable as the setting and rising of the sun.
Work Visa Holder, Permanent Residents, Citizens
Many of our next discussions will have a mention of any of these. So let us differentiate before we proceed:
Work Visa Holder:
Foreign workers who are new to Singpore or have opted to remain foreigners working in Singapore. The basis of their stay in Singapore is because of their work. They are I think allowed to own properties here under specially allocated properties for foreigners. Some benefits and rates accorded to to Permanent Residents and Citizens will not be given them. On the other hand, they are also not deducted the CPF (Central Provident Fund).
Permanent Resident:
After at least six months of work in Singapore, S Pass and above work visa holders can apply for Residency. Upon approval (which usually takes 3 months max from application), you are now allowed to stay in Singapore as a resident with or without work. As mentioned in my previous post, a PR status is required in most work especially in government offices and the financial sector that requires licenses. Singapore PRs have many benefits including lower rates for schooling, for housing (should you buy one), medical fees, etc. One major difference is the deduction of CPF from your salary. This will range from 4% -15% gradually. There are pros and cons of course... you have to tighten your belt...but at the same time, since your employer will be contributing the same amount as you are contributing to your CPF, more money in the pot. When you decide to leave Singapore to pursue your dreams back home or elsewhere, the CPF money will be given to you. Otherwise, if you plan to stay here for the long haul, then you could apply the money in your CPF to buy a house or for your retirement.
Citizens:
The Singaporeans and naturalized Singaporeans. Filipinos who have had their PR status for five years or more will be given an option to renew as a PR or as a Citizen renouncing your Filipino citizenship. Then you would receive the full preferential benefits Singapore accords to their Citizens. Depends on your priority Kabayan!
Currency and Money matters
Singapore dollars is one of the most steady currency in terms of exchange rate in the Philippines (SGD1 = around 30). It does not appreciate much but neither does it go down sharply. I still get confused with spending in the tens rather than in the hundreds and thousands that sometimes I overspend or even at other times, I forego what I should have purchased thinking that its pricey (or is it just my Math skills?)
There are different residence in Singapore (apartments, HDBs, Condos, serviced apartments, landed properties) but the most common residence for Filipinos here are HDBs and Condos. HDBs are government housing (?) owned by most Singaporeans (before they buy their Condos and rent out to foreigners). In the beginning, agents say, Filipinos will only opt for Condos. We can afford this because often, the rent is shared among friends/ family. However, with the recent spike on rental since around March of last year, HDBs became the refuge for Filipinos.
Luckily, some Singaporeans do know how to decorate and furnish their flats that sans the ammenities and security in a Condo, it might even look better than Condo flats. If you happen to chance upon one, as of posting, three bedroom flats would often cost SGD2,000 and above.
Condominium living in Singapore is still ideal though. With all the ammenities of a pool/pools, barbeque pit, koi ponds, gardens, playground for kids and adults, gym, club house with function rooms, some would even have bowling alleys inside, it is surely a pleasant place to stay in after a hard day's work. And having a security guard at your service is the best part although not frequently needed.
How do you look for a home? Well I did mention that there are pinoy websites where people post for additional room mates, or Filipinos who have been HDB owners themselves who want to rent out rooms or their flats.
Otherwise, there are advertisements in the newspaper. Usually this method is employed by those who do not want to pay an agent (see how much they charge in my previous post). But I would not suggest you do this if it is your first home here in Singapore. Why? The extra money you'd pay the agent will give you a.) more options, b.) help in paper work, c.) advise on many matters regarding rent and how to get the best deal even in settling down your new place (contacts for the plumber, aircon cleaner, cleaners, etc).
Sadly, recently we have been hearing of stories about bogus transactions between owner and tenant/ agent and tenant that are discomforting. One modus operandi is for an owner to agree on the price, get a deposit, and then at the last minute back out and not return the deposit anymore. Our case is another one where the agent did not remit (immediately) our deposit to the owner. Will hiring an agent minimize this...probably, probably not. However, it will not do you harm to hire an expert as added buffer. It is best to seek the recommendation of your friends rather than just advertisements.
Singapore Permanent Residents are allowed to buy HDB estates. I cannot write now of the requirements and special conditions for this now but will soon do when I get the details.
ICA
The first government agency that a Filipino aspiring to work or is working in Singapore will encounter will be ICA. This is the agency that issues the long term social visit pass (even up to 5 years if you have relatives who are Permanent Residents here) , extension of social visit pass (up to 3 months with a sponsoring citizen or PR) and the EPEC. It is a stone's throw away from Lavander MRT station.
Q numbers are issued at the relevant floors in the building and this is the first thing you should always get in government agencies here. It is not unusual to wait for about three hours for your transaction to finish but nonetheless, just bring a book and you'd be fine. The nice people in the ICA counters are firm yet accomodating. Having all your documents (passports, birth certificate, transcripts, diploma, etc) could come handy depending on your transactions.
It is best to go to ICA on Tuesdays to Fridays. Visit very early in the morning as there is frequently a long Q. A range of Q numbers can get their papers the same day. After that, you will be accommodated but you would have to go back the next working day to claim your documents. So it pays to be early.
MOM and your Work Visa
After finding work, your employer will direct you to the Ministry of Manpower for the issuance of your permit to work. There are several work visas that may be given depending on the type of work, experience and salary you have. Do look into the MOM website for your specific requirements. Unlike in ICA where Q numbers are issued at the corresponding floors, Q numbers in MOM are all issued at the ground floor. The numbers will direct you to where you are supposed to go. Q-ing up in MOM will take a long time so do take a book.
After your application is processed, you will be asked to complete the medical required for the visa. If you were recently an EPEC holder who have done your medical, that medical check up result will be valid for the next two years, thus you will no longer be required to do the medical for your work visa. This process, including the medical and the actual claim of the card will take about three days. However, as long as you have the in-principle letter of approval from MOM, you can already start working. This is applicable for Employment pass holder and above. Those working under S Pass, only upon application in MOM will you be allowed to work. Other companies though, in dire need of manpower, will use this time for you to go on training under a training allowance.
After the issuance of your work visa, do remember to bring it along with you at all times. In Singapore, everything needs an identification card. Singaporean Citizens have their IC's and foreign workers have their work visa card. You use this to apply for a phone line, a bank account... no other valid i.d. is taken except for this and passport. If you have both, both will be required for all important transactions.
Needless to say...you have to be very careful with it. Having lost mine once, it becomes really stressful knowing you do not have your pass. But have no fear, just go to the MOM/ Work Pass office and they will replace it within 3 days. Application will just take an hour max. After application for loss work visa, you will be given a letter and it will serve as your visa for the duration of time you still don't have your card back. I myself was able to leave for Penang without my work visa. I just showed the letter in the ICA counter at the airport and presto...I was let in and out of Singapore.
With your work visa, you are considered a resident of Singapore. Not a permanent resident, a resident. Therefore, at the airport, you can line up at the Resident /APEC card holder for shorter Q. There will be no stamping on your passport in Singapore too.
Whenever you change work, you have to change work visa because your stay in Singapore is tied up to your pass. If you get out of work without a new employer waiting, you only have two weeks to stay in Singapore. EPEC cannot be applied twice. Your only option at this point would be to look for a new employer or go home and do the steps (sans the epec option) over again.
You also have to inform the MOM about your change in address should you change residence.
Philippine Embassy
As an Overseas Filipino Worker, do remember to register for OWWA in the Philippine Embassy. I don't really know how this helps but one thing i know, you can save on travel tax and terminal fees with your OWWA membership. I think you also get an insurance from our government.
Upon reaching the Philippine Embassy, which is in a place I so far get to only by taxi, you also get a Q number from the gate. It is a small office so you won't get lost when you enter. Your OWWA application and papers will all be given to you on the same day. Please do bring a photocopy of your passport and work visa. Needless to say (but I am saying anyway) you can only apply for OWWA if you already have a work visa.
Everytime you visit the Philippines, you have to get an EXIT PASS. This pass will entitle you for a free travel tax (P1650) and terminal fee (P700) because you are an OFW - not bad! You need not get the exit pass when you are going elsewhere, however. You can also get the Exit Pass in Lucky Plaza (the Filipino mall!) along Orchard Road on Sundays. The Q will be longer here though because it is easier to go here than in the Embassy. However, you cannot transact the application of OWWA membership in this counter. You can get multiple exit pass at a time if you are traveling frequently to the Philippines. Each Exit Pass costs around $5 or $6. Bring your ticket, work visa and passport with you. The counter is located right beside iRemit. Right next to it too is the SSS counter where you can transfer your SSS membership to Singapore and continue your contributions through iRemit and receive your benefits here in Singapore.
Filipinos with a PR status in Singapore is no longer required to get an exit pass. This will also mean that you would have to pay the travel tax and the terminal fees again...but I heard at a reduced rate.
Police
Police stations are usually located alongside their community centers although I have seen one under an HDB estate. This is where you go for all your complaints. A police report always comes handy when things do not go well. When we were victimized by an agent, we went to complain here- more precisely, our landlord lodged the complaint here. Citizens and Permanent Residents go to the outpost to inform them of change in address. When I lost my wallet and work visa, I was advised to go immediately to the police outpost as the police report will be necessary in applying for my work visa replacement and my bank atm.
Remittance and Balik Bayan Boxes
The most famous place (if not the only place) you can do this is at the Lucky Plaza along Orchard Road. I saw Metrobank, PNB, iRemit as the most frequented stalls there although I did see some western unions etc. The rates are quite uniform for all, it may be the location and convenience of the recipient or the fees they charge that would spell the difference and preference of our OFWs. Bank to bank is most popular although for provinces, remittance through door to door still applies.
Couriers are also aplenty in Lucky Plaza. Boxes big and small are displayed in a number of shops especially on the third and fourth floors. Shipping fees will range from $50 - $130 depending on size and destination of balik-bayan boxes. Once you have a record in these firms, some of them offer delivery of balik-bayan boxes to your homes for free. After filling them up, you can call for them to pick it up again with no difference in charges. Shipping your "pasalubongs" is the most cost efficient way to send by bulk to our homeland...especially if they don't amount to much but is just as heavy (canned goods, small items from Ikea, etc.)
Schools
Each community will have a primary and secondary school for your kids. Additional schools run by churches and religious orders are also aplenty. International schools are also sprawling. It all depends on your budget.
Of course, the most cost efficient way to school your children would be in the local schools. Children of OFWs are allowed to enter the Singapore school system. You also have to be ready because I heard they are quite rigorous and strict especially past primary level 3 (grade 3). The cost will be significantly lower is you are already a Permanent Resident.
Some terms : A level = our high school graduates; O level = graduates of junior college (JC) two year courses in our lingo; Diploma/ Certificates= after O levels but may be finished in a year diplomas- closest to us would be special courses equivalent; Poly Graduates = (i can be wrong) our vocational graduates; Degree, Masters, Ph.D = Bachelors and Post Graduate Degree holders.
Church
Singapore is liberal in Religious practices. I am Catholic and I do not find trouble looking for Catholic Churches and even communities in Singapore. My guide is the Veritas site. You can check for church locations, time of services and the latest news in the archdiocese. The Catholic community here is vibrant. There are even Filipino masses in some churches on a regular schedule. But as in anywhere else, the warmth of the community is in direct proportion to your desire to take part in the community life. Other religious denominations also abound.
Shopping
I need not say anything about this. Ika nga ni Elise : "Kagandang Bansa!"
Household
I have already discussed previously about the housing arrangements by Filipinos in Singapore. Maintaining a harmonious relationship inside the house is vital in your survival. You cannot be one foot in and one foot out in your commitment in living in a place with friends. Even if you are on your own, your tenancy in the house you have will dictate commitment for a period of time. This may seem common sense but with uncertainty of work - or sanity... it is helpful to keep in mind that co-existence requires your full commitment.
Household chores and expenses are shared. Expectations should be spelled out and in my experience - notice should be given whenever one feel discomforted by anything happening in the house instead of our Filipino practice of just adjusting and letting it go until you are full to the brim. Be kind to yourself and to your housemates, they may just be waiting for you to tell them your expectations. Tact is essential. Sensitivity to the needs of others a requirement.
In our household, we cook for each other to save on "eating out" on weekdays. We each have an assignment and we eat whatever is served... ahahahha! No worries about this. We all learned how to cook in Singapore.
If the unit you get is furnished, you are most likely to get a washing machine and air-conditioner in every room. Laundry schedule should be arranged as clothes lines are limited. Arrangements in the use of air-conditioner should be clear so that no one over uses the AC while everyone divides the PUB (utility bills) equally.
We also contribute equally to the grocery pot because we cook and eat home plus the laundry paraphernalias and cleaning materials and the daily bread and egg and milk supplies. For our household $60 is enough per person.
PUB expenses include the water, electricity and garbage disposal fees (with some it also includes the gas for cooking) in a household of three bedrooms would cost around $180-$250 depending on use.
Phone bills will also differ. Our household have a wireless, land phone and mobile phone (which was assigned to me) which we pay for $70/month. That includes a handphone unit for me tied for two years. But we usually pay including our usage for international calls about $150 a month which is not heavy because we also use skype and yahoo to communicate back home.
Room rent for our household depends on the size and type of room you have. A percentage of which is multiplied to your rent for the flat. So you could be renting a room as low as $500 to $800 or more depending on your flat's rate.
Household help will only be needed when you have little kids in tow and both parents are working. I think the going rate is about $450 a month for a help coming from the agency excluding initial fees and monthly levy for workers paid to the government. So expect to fork up $700 to $800 for house help. We do get some help sometimes at $10/ hour for ironing and cleaning of the house when needed. Minimum is usually 3 hours per mobilization.
So there you go... rent, pub, (household help), communications, grocery, ...your staple household expenses. On top of these would be your personal transportation and lunch expenses.
Aside from Money
I think I have been focusing on the expenses heavily on this blog. But it IS necessary for your decision making don't you think. Of course my indications are for an ordinary worker like me. The expenses you have will depend on the lifestyle you wish to practice while away from home. I could say that based on the fact that I am single, low maintenance and with little obligation, I live comfortably on the expenses mentioned above.
But aside from money, I enjoy the fact that parks and recreational activities are within your reach in Singapore. A lot of travel iteneraries are within reach (Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand...) and affordable. Community centers offer special recreational courses. You can volunteer on a number of initiatives. It is a small place buzzling with activities. Nature reserves abound for your outdoor activities while at the same time (and in the same vicinity) gimmick places and malls are sprawling. If safety is a major concern, it IS safe here.
But I guess, with the length of my blog post, you can only screen information according to your guts. If you think you should go, you would. If you think you shouldn't, you wont. With or without this article. Do pray before making any steps because we are called to be in a variety of places and situations so none of the things that I said will matter in the greater scheme of things. Hah!
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