Migrant workers from countries like Myanmar often pay significant sums to secure employment in Singapore, hoping for better opportunities. Unfortunately, many face unexpected challenges upon arrival. The Case of Pyae Sone Pyae Sone, a 21-year-old from Myanmar, left his botany studies to support his family. He paid a Yangon-based agency S$5,800 for a kitchen assistant [...]
He Quan, a 35-year-old private driver based in Lijiang, Yunnan, spends eight hours daily transporting passengers to the province’s renowned attractions, such as snow-capped mountains, scenic lakes, and deep gorges. Although He did not disclose his earnings, it is understood that each trip ranges from 150 to 1,000 yuan (US$21 to US$140). Known as “Ah [...]
A domestic helper in Singapore has been sentenced to seven months and one week in jail after moonlighting illegally and stealing over S$23,000 (US$17,000) from a customer. Elvira Cadila Orlanes Ordonez, a 46-year-old Filipina, was convicted on June 18 for one count of theft and two counts under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, with [...]
Two retail employers in Singapore, who persistently underpaid their employees despite multiple warnings from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), are now barred from applying for or renewing work passes for foreign workers until they correct the underpayments. According to a statement by MOM on June 6, these employers have been underpaying a total of 12 [...]
Welcoming Global Talent: Hong Kong's Approach and Challenges Like many Asian cities, Hong Kong is actively courting global talent. To counteract the outflow caused by the pandemic and political factors, the city launched its Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) in late 2022. Official data indicates tens of thousands have applied under this scheme, surpassing applications [...]
Upon arrival in Singapore, your passport will receive a Visit Pass indicating the end date of your permitted stay. Typically, this grants you a 30-day period, after which you are required to depart the country. However, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority offers the option to apply for a one-time extension of stay for an additional [...]
The APEC Business Travel Card in Singapore simplifies business trips across the Asia-Pacific region. Bid farewell to handling multiple visas and welcome expedited entry. This guide delineates the transformation of arduous travel into a seamless experience for professionals, covering eligibility, advantages, and the application process. Are you a frequent business traveler to the Asia-Pacific region? [...]
Singapore and China have officially endorsed a 30-day mutual visa-free entry for their citizens, marking the formalization of a proposal announced nearly two months ago. The agreement was signed on Thursday (Jan 25) by government representatives from both nations, and it takes effect on Feb 9, coinciding with the eve of Chinese New Year, as [...]
If you are considering a trip to Singapore and require a visa, this article provides comprehensive information on the Singapore visa application process. A Singapore visa grants entry to the country through a designated point of entry, where Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers conduct checks to determine if the visitor meets the entry requirements. [...]
Ker Eng Kiat, a 52-year-old Singaporean, and his brother, Ker Eng Hock, a 53-year-old Singaporean, have been convicted of illegal employment offenses under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 (EFMA). Eng Kiat, previously convicted in 2013 for similar offenses, received a sentence of one month's imprisonment and a $23,000 fine (with a default of [...]