(If you find this article helpful, help others by sharing it on Facebook or Twitter by click the button beside this.)
It's always a hassle when you're going out of the Philippines, especially if you want to find work outside the country. Thinking of how to get past the immigration gate without any problems, I faced the same problems as the other Filipinos did. I want to share with you my experience and the lessons that I've learned during one of the lowest times of my life: I was once denied to get past that gate.
Looking back, I already left the country for Singapore before. I had the final interview here, face to face with the client. My interview was successful and I was hired. But I still need to get back to the Philippines to finish my remaining time to my previous employer. After finishing the required days and preparing all the documents required by the employment agency in Singapore, it was time to come back to the Lion City.
 |
| Image from bloggerdesign.com |
Then the final call for the plane I should have boarded came. I was left behind. It was disheartening. I almost cried there in despair. People queuing to immigration booths were looking at me. I have no idea what to do at that moment. I was in shock. That was the first time for me.
At that same day, I booked a two-way flight to Singapore and back, presented myself as a tourist, approved on immigration, boarded an Airbus A320 and landed in Singapore after a 3-hour flight.
Lessons Learned:
1. In-Principle Approval letters are just approvals in principle. It can't be presented in immigration to get past as a worker. It should be processed and approved by POEA before declaring yourself as an OFW to the officer.
2. Book a two-way flight itinerary if you're going to declare yourself as a tourist when going to Singapore(even though in reality you're going to Singapore to find work or to start working but the papers are not yet processed by POEA)
3. Bring extra money. You'll never know what will happen once you are inside the airport.
4. DO NOT resign yet on your current work. No one knows what will happen. It's better and easier to have a fallback in case your Plan A didn't push through.
That's it for my experience. If you're going out of the country, specifically going to Singapore, you might as well be prepared for the worst. I hope you read this very carefully and remember the tips so that you will never experience one of the worst experiences of my life.
Share your thoughts. Hit the comments!
578 comments:
1 – 200 of 578 Newer› Newest»hi....
i be going to singapore next week with 4 of friends. the plan is we aregoing for a tour but the real plan is to find a job... we booked for a two way flight, we have an invitation letter and we even booked a hotel in singapore..
as i surf the net for further tips, i land on your blog..its very helpful for us,for we are worried to get denied by the immigration for some of my friends has been denied HARD, they left the airport crying as if singapore in the place they work at..
well..wish us luck!!!
Hi! First of all, thank you so much for your comment. I'm so happy that I'm able to help you with my posts.
I presume that you're from the Philippines, just like me, and here are additional tips:
1. Immigration has been especially tough on females who are going out of the country.
2. If the immigration official asked you if you are employed in the Philippines, assuming that you already resigned, just tell them that you still have, tell them the name of the company if they ask, and if they asked you about the company id, just tell them that you left them at home.
3. Just relax and answer questions in your normal voice. Don't be nervous, be excited! You're going for a vacation in Singapore with your friends. :-)
I wish you and your friends good luck!
hello bro! I'm currently in your previous situation as before. First of all, I'd like to thanked you for all the information in this page, it helped me decide on my plan for a vacation.
I just wanna share some thoughts on my plan, and to seek an advise from you.
I am currently here in Singapore now on a Social Visit Pass (already extended until April 19, 2011) and already hired in one comapny here. I already have the IPA in hand but no SPASS card yet as i am still waiting for the result of our medical exam and process it in the MOM office after. I am planning to have a week-long vacation to Philippines before my first day of work here and I am afraid that I might be denied upon leaving Phils when i'll be returning here.
Since holding an IPA is not an assurance in the immigration, would it be okay to be an as-if-tourist again knowing i just came here?
Perhaps the officer would asked me why I will be returning again to Singapore just right after a month-long vacation in Singapore, with only a week gap. I am afraid that I will be denied and can't go back here in SG and missed the opportunity that's already laid by my company here.
any ideas would really help..
thank you so much!
Hello Michael! Thank you for your incredible comment. Let me clarify first to all the readers that I'm no immigration expert and I'm just giving you here my advice and opinion based on my personal experiences and some of my friends' experiences.
Second, CONGRATULATIONS on your new job.
Third, I have some questions from you that we need to know so that we can look on which is the better option: To wait for the S-PASS or go back to Singapore as a Tourist.
1. Is your S-PASS already on the process? Is your application for it already submitted to MOM by yourself/employer?
2. When is your start date on the new company?
3. Do you really need to go back to Philippines, e.g. urgent important business or personal?
1. My S-PASS is already in process. We just need to have a visit to the MOM on our first day of work for some other requirement that needs our personal appearance.
2. My first day of work will be on March 21 but can be arranged to March 28 if I decided to spend a week first in Phils.
3. It is really not necessary to go back for now, I would just like to use my previously booked returned ticket (on Mar 16), make some follow-ups on my previous company, spend another birthday and all other else. So it mainly personal matters. Coz when i'll be working already, I'll be stuck in here for 1 year before i can go back to Phils.
Actually by now, it's already 80/20. The higher one goes to the side of not going back to Phils for now. As I might be in trouble anyway. :D
Thank you..
Don't worry, once you start working, you can go back to Philippines without the worry of being denied in Immigration because you have your working pass. In my opinion, it's better to wait for your pass, start working, save some airfare and go back to Philippines. I assume you have your vacation leave credits, right?
You can also celebrate your birthday in style because you're already earning Singdollars. :-)
My personal suggestion for you is just to wait for you SPASS card, apply a membership on OWWA in the Philippine Embassy and get an OEC before going back to the Philippines. It will take a longer time, but it's worth it. Do not risk losing what you just got, and with just a bit of patience, determination and prayers, you'll get away with it just fine.
And ONE year is fast, don't worry. You will never feel it.
yeah right.. thank you so much for your advice buddy.. Thank you thank you. God Bless!
Big thanks to you too, Michael.
hi!
just want to rephrase my comment..
what i mean is
"they left the airport crying as if singapore is the only place they can work at.."
i think faster than i type..haha
thanks by the way!!
No worries. :-)
Again, goodluck to you and your friends!
didn't they ask you for an invitation when you presented yourself as a tourist?
Hello Anonymous..I did show the invitation letter, but only when they asked about it. What I gave them first was my passport and my ticket. If they ask for the letter, then I show them.
gud pm..i would like to ask for any suggestions that can help me on deciding if I still need to apply for a red seal invitation from the embassy.. i'm a mother and my son is already working in SG as IT, he wants me and his 2 brother and sister to have a 2 weeks vacation in SG this coming May 2011, we have a two way ticket, group..this is my third time of going there, but first time for my 2 teenagers..my son, who's working in SG said that he will just send a formal invitation without a red seal, kc gastos daw at tagal p ang pila sa embassy.. since, it's my third time..and had a good record..maybe type written invitation is ok n..i'm worried kc,me kilala kmi n ndenied kelan lang,girl, single, naghanap dw ng red seal, wala sia nun, email invitation lang un knya..so, para natakot ako.up to now b ganun p din kahigpit s immigration ?? kc akala ko,mdyo lumuwag n sila e..nun first at second visit ko my red seal ako, pero ngaun..pde kaya wla n..since pang third time ko n to.kaya lang first time s 2 teenagers n kasama ko..what do you think..any suggestions..pls help me..
Hi, good day to you. I believe you can just show the invitation letter sent to you by your son(even without the seal from embassy).
Yung kasama mo po, your son and daughter, if still studying, I think will have no problem going outside the country. In my opinion, yung mga hinaharang lang naman po ng immigration is yung mga babae na walang kasama(or grupo ng mga babae). If kasama naman nila kayo pagdaan sa immigration, I think there will be no issues. And just to make sure, magdala na lang ng pocket money na pwede ipakita sa immigration kung magtatanong. You don't have to be afraid, you're just going here for a vacation right? You're going here to enjoy the time with your children, so don't worry.
Dun pala sa invitation letter, please tell your son who's working here in SG to include his full name, FIN number and address here in SG in the letter. And also please have a photocopy of his IC card with you when passing through immigration. And remember to go through the immigration as a group. :-)
Thank you very much for your comment.
thank u very much for your quick reply..yah..my son already attached his employment document and photocopy of his epass and pasport and all details on how to contact him..good suggestion, since my daughter is a minor, 16 yrs old..and she cannot travel alone..siguro nga, no need na for red seal.. ok, thank u for a good suggestion..it helps a lot..GOD BLESS !!
No worries! Goodluck on your vacation. See you in Singapore! :)
hello there
just want to ask maybe you've known any company there that is hiring at the moment? my sister is already there looking for jobs.
thanks
Hi Anonymous,
I'm sorry I don't have any information about the companies hiring at the moment. What you(or sister) can do right now is to check all those job postings on Monster, Jobstreet, JobsDB and other job posting websites. I know that once your sister sent resumes online, companies will call her once they checked her resume and felt that she might be a candidate for a job position.
Hi! me and my bestfriend (girl) booked a flight to SG as tourists.. but the travel agency told us we might be denied by SG immigration because of the way we look. we're both 27 and will go to SG for a post-heartbreak vacation. we were advised by the agency not to fly on the same dates.what should we do?
Hello Anonymous,
If you are still employed, then there will be no problem..just show your company id if they ask for it. You're going to SG for a genuine vacation, so no need to be afraid. :-)
ok thanks.. what's the advisable length of stay there btw?
Hi:
If i will go to Singapore for a vacation, do i have to show to the Imigration peeps my booking on the hotel i will be staying? What if i will be staying on my friends pad? do you think I will have a problem?
Hi Anonymous,
Normally Immigration officials don't ask for the hotel booking.. but they sometimes ask for the return ticket. If they ask about the hotel booking, just tell them that you didn't made a hotel booking and will just find a room once you arrive in Singapore.
hi,
your post is really helpful! thanks!
i'm a girl and going to singapore next week,to look for a job. i already have a ticket and a return ticket as well. it's scheduled as 4 days but i might extend depending on the circumstance. my problem is, i already resigned and dont have my company id anymore and it's just me. this scares me. i'm really worried now..
Hi Anonymous(#7),
Thanks for your comment! I really appreciate it!
In my opinion, you shouldn't have resigned yet before going here. But aaanyway, what's done been done so let's just move on. Just make sure that you answer all their questions if ever they felt like asking you and answer in a calm, relaxed voice. Don't be nervous and just tell them that you'll be going here for a 4-day holiday. If they ask for the plane ticket, show them. If they ask for an invitation letter(which is better having one than none), show them. If you don't have, just politely tell them that you don't have any and you will just be staying in Singapore for several days. Sometimes they ask about your pocket money, just tell them how much you have for pocket money. The bigger, the better. :P
For Anonymous(#5?) who commented last May 26, I think 5 days is advisable. But don't take my word for it. Because your success on passing through immigration depends on other factors like the immigration officer, the time you embarked/landed, your papers(plane ticket,invitation letter), pocket money and luck.
Apologies for my late response.
hi!
i've been looking for blogs about filipinos in singapore and yours is top-rated! good job!
i don't know if this is proper or not but i'm already almost desperate.. would you know of any rooms i can rent with a friend? we'll be there in a few and the room we were supposed to rent has been given to another.. really sad..
hope you could enlighten us!
thanks!
Hi Anonymous,
Thank you very much for your kind words!
For this one, I can only help you by giving this link: http://www.rentinsingapore.com . I don't know the available rooms for rent, but you can check this site and if you find one..call the number posted to confirm if the room is still available.
If you and your friend are planning to stay here for just a couple of days, a bedspace is not bad, and much cheaper. I heard you can rent a bedspace for $10 a day. But the downside is that you don't know who your roommates are and there is a risk of your things being stolen or whatnots.
hi elmerger
i just want to asked about my visiting at singapore as tourist i booked already 3 days going to singpore..i dont have invitation letter because i dont have any friend there..i juust want tu unwind for a moment because i got depress broken hearted with the break up with my bf...do u think i can pass at immigration???im not yet already booked at any hotel..thanks in advance for your answer..
Hello Anonymous! (#? sorry I lost count)
Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment.
Have you booked a return flight going back to Philippines? If yes, then I guess there will be no problem. I have one tip for you: If you're going to Singapore just yourself and you'll just spend 3 days here, then don't bring too much stuff. If you're still working, just show them your company id if they ask. As always, relax and answer their questions in a calm way. Enjoy your vacation here in Singapore!
hi elmerger
i was denied at the immigartion last week. i have an invitation letter from a relative. but in the immigration they ask me supporting document that will prove that we're relative, but i have none. and then they have found out that i'm already resigned in my previous job accidentally. because they called the office and then they've talked to our maintenance, not my boss.and they found out I was resigned. that's the 2 reason i was denied. im planning to book a flight again by the end of the month. june28. what shall i do. I was thinking if my application form that i filled up in the immigration will be take into consideration? im very nervous. pls help me on what to do.
Hi Anonymous,
I'm very sorry to hear that. I hope it doesn't affect you that much and keep you plans tight.
I also hope this is not offending for you, but I would like to hear your story. Did you declare as a tourist and presented a invitation letter? Did you booked a return ticket? Are you questioned in the Immigration while still in the Philippines? What is that application form that you filled up in the Immigration?
Although I need more information from you, here are some things that I can tell you to minimize the risk of being denied in the Immigration:
1. Book a two-way plane ticket. Several days would do, maybe 4-5 days of "vacation".
2. Present yourself as a tourist, and tell them you're just going for a vacation.
3. If you can book a hotel accomodation, better. Show them your booking if asked. Or you can show them that as a proof that you'll just be staying there for several days.
4. If you can't book a hotel accommodation, if asked about it, just tell them that you will be staying on a rented HDB flat to minimize expenses while taking the holiday.
Hope this helps.
hi elmerger
i tried to exit phils. as a tourist the other day. I have an invitation letter from my friend with copy of his Identity Card, a 7 days roundtrip ticket and a passport. But I was denied at the immigration because I already resigned in my previous job. They said that I am planning to find a job at SG because I don't have any work here. I'm planning to book a flight again by wednesday, june15. if ever I pass our immigration here, is there any possibilities that I will be deny at SG immigration?
hi elmerger
It is recommended to put an itinerary (when you will in Singapore) in the invitation letter??
hi elmerger.
im the one who was denied at the immigration. i have an invitation letter from a friend. but my friend declared at the invitation letter that im her cousin. then they ask me some supporting documents to prove that im her cousin. but i have none cause were not really related by blood. family friend perhaps. then the form i filled up at the immigration, only contains information about me and the person who invited me in singapore. i also have a return ticket. but then they never allow me to pass through. cause just what ive said they found out that im already jobless. pls help me. im worried if they have to consider that for my next try on june28. will they remember me for being jobless? do i already have a record to them through that form i filled up last time? thanks. it would be a great help if u answered back. godbless
hi..
my boyfriend and i decided to work here unfortunately 3 times HE rejected from MOM then for trying to stay here we dont know the rules for staying in singapore until his social visit visa finish he try to exit malaysia and indonesia then the sing imigration officer stamped in her passport till 4 days only and go back philippines.then when he came back after two weeks in singapore the worst he experienced thru airport to airport they said not allowed to enter in singapore.then he is already in malaysia staying almost two weeks now to if how long we can try entering singapore again...could u help us ...if u some advice to me.its hard
Hi Elmerger!
I'll be going to Singapore as tourist but my real intention is to work. I got an invitation from my agent and a 2-way ticket but what would I say if the immigration officer asked me if I'm currently employed. What I'm planning to say is, I'm not working and just had my operation last year (which actually happened) so the doctor advised me to rest for a year. Do you think that's valid?
To Anonymous who posted last June 11, 2011 6:42 AM (soo early)
Seven days of vacation is a bit long, for the immigration official's eyes. IMO, maybe that's why you were denied. But as long as you passed through the immigration in the Philippines and you have you're round trip ticket, you will be able to get through Singapore immigration. (Also, you know the mentality of those who are "guarding" our gates. I think they're all crabs.)
To Anonymous who posted last June 11, 2011 10:42 PM
I think there's no need to put an itinerary on the invitation letter, but if you're ok with that and comfortable to share that information then why not. Invitation letter, round trip tickets and pocket money are the essential things to bring and/or show to the officials when asked.
To Anonymous who posted last June 14, 2011 4:06 PM
I'm very sorry to hear that from you. If you're considering to take another try at the immigration, then you must learn from the "mistakes". I know it's very hard on us to learn from those mistakes, but it's the way to learn fast and hard. Maybe you just put on the letter that you're her friend and you want to take some holiday in Singapore. It's also better if you're ticket is less than a week in duration, like if you're staying here for 4-5 days only, not 1 or 2 weeks. I'm not sure on the form that you have filled up, though. Let's just hope that they don't remember or look for you on their files.
To Anonymous who posted last June 15, 2011 3:28 AM (earlier than the first one)
Again, my sympathy goes to you for the not-so-good events that happened. Honestly, you should be staying in the Philippines for a while. Staying in Malaysia waiting for the right time is not the safe way to go. You could try to enter to Singapore after a month or two. Because if you try to cross the border from Malaysia, they know that you've been going in and out of Singapore in different countries and there is a risk of banning you from entering the country again.
To Ross,
Hi! And thanks for putting your name on the comment. ^_^
And the reason you gave me, I think, is valid... if you can provide the papers to prove it(like medical certificate, which I believe, you do have in your posession). So I think no problem for you. But. I don't know how the invitation from your agency would work...this is the first time I heard about an invitation letter from an agent. Maybe it'll work.
Thank you all for dropping by and leaving your comment. Sorry for not being able to respond to your questions on time. I had a busy weekend last week, and just got back to Singapore last Wednesday. I hope I answered all your questions and I hope these can help.
hi elmerger!
I'm planning to go to Singapore. My friend will go home here in the Philippines this week, and then we will go together to Singapore by the end of the month. Do I still need to have an invitation letter from her? or her presence is enough for me to pass through the immigration here in the Philippines. She is presently working in Singapore. Thank you for your time.
Hi Elmerger!
I'm planning to go to Singapore next week. My friend is working there. He said he will recommend me to their company. And then he said that he will asked his boss to give me a job offer/order. I was thinking if that job order is enough for me to pass the immigration. My advance thanks to you. godbless
Hi Jane!
If she can present her IC to the immigration while you are being asked, then I think it's ok. Let it be that you go first in line while your friend is waiting and if the official asked for an invitation letter, just tell them that your friend will be inviting you to Singapore. And be sure to have a two-way ticket with 3-5days interval, just to be sure.
Hi Vic!
I think the job offer is not sufficient to present in the immigration. I once presented my In-Principle Approval letter to the immigration, but I was denied. I believe they will not accept the job offer.
If you're going to tell them that you're an OFW, they will ask for your IC(Work Permit,S-Pass,E-Pass). Job offers and In-principle approval letters is not enough. To give you more information about the In-principle approval letters, these are the forms that are filled up by the employee to submit to the employer for processing of your work permit. It basically says that you are going to be hired, but you still don't have the IC. The IC is what they want to see if you're going to Singapore as a worker.
If you're going to present yourself as a tourist, then what you need to present is a copy of your two-way ticket, an invitation letter and hotel accomodation(optional).
Thank you very much for taking your time reading this post and leaving a comment!
Hi elmerger,
I'll be going to singapore for 12 days,my girlfriend gave me an invitation letter, I know that 12 days is too long,but my girlfriend and I are planning to tour singapore for 4 days then go to malaysia for 5 days to celebrate her early birthday celebration and the remaining 2 days will be on shopping.Would it be wise to provide an itinerary for my 12 days?I'm really nervous for the immigration official,I really need to get back in the philippines on July 9 since my two sisters are arriving from australia ang bermuda.hope to hear from you soon..Thanks!
Hi elmerger!
This blog is so helpful.great job. i am planning to go to singapore on july2 and will be staying there for 21 days.I resigned already but i still have my ID since i declared it lost in my previous employer. :) I will go there to find a job. If i presented my company ID will they still ask me if im still employed? will i tell the truth? will they call my company? I will be staying at my brother's pad.They will also be getting married this july. Should i ask for an invitation letter stating that i will attend the civil wedding? im scared that ill be denied. Sorry for giving you so many questions. I really need someone to answer my questions. Thank you. Godbless.
hi,i just went back home here in phils. this june 12. i came in singapore b4 last february 27, 2010 then got job may 18, 2010 but my contract was finished last may 18, 2011 and i wasnt able to find job again cos the s-pass got rejected, now my bf (singaporean) is going to visit me here in phils. this september and we plan that when he go back to singapore we will go tgt, would that be easy for me to go back in sg as a tourist? or its also better i asked my sis to give me Invitation Letter? since she also working there? what would be the best thing i can do? and do you have any idea if we plan to get married would i need to ask permission from mom? cos before i work there and i holding an s-pass? i really appreciate if you could help me out? -maeza-
hi,
i have a trip this coming friday to singapore, and was a bit nervous if id be able to surpass our philippine immigration since they have been very strict with regard to someone who's flying alone and without work.
i just ended a contract with my previous work and i will be flying alone. i have my ticket with me with a returning date as well. i will stay there for 6 days.
what will i do?
i have an invitation letter already from my cousin but without a red seal attached as well is her IC ID.
this is my 2nd time to go to SG. my first stay in there took me 29 days, i got worried they might thought that i'll do that again. which actually not.
im really just nevrous because i'll be flying alone, and just ended a contract. they might thought i'd go there to look for a job.
PS. i didnt resigned, i ended a contract. do i still need to bring my contract as supporting papers?
thanks!
gwen
to add:
though i still have my COMPANY ID WITH ME AND MY LEAVE LETTER FROM MY MANAGER. do you think would it be better if i lie? even though my contract just ended? im afraid they'd call our office and someone from the office would tell i just ended my contract. please help me on what to do and what to say.
thanks,
gwen
hello, ur blog is really helpful..
anyway, i booked a two way ticket for singapore for 5 days..i'll be with a friend..her uncle will be sending an invitation letter for the two us... is it ok to have one invitation letter for the two of us??another thing is, i dont have a job here my friend has..but will be going there for a pure vacation..what am i gonna do?? im really anxious..
thanks
gracy
and i would like to know how much pocket money needed enough to present at the immigration??? thanks
Hi!
I entered Singapore as a tourist last May 29 to look for a job, I have some series of interviews already but none of them seems to be clear by now. After 30 days of stay, I haven't found an employer yet so I decided to extended my stay until July 28. Worst case scenario, if I still don't get hired my plan was to exit to Malaysia then go back to Singapore after 5 days, would that be too risky for me? What could be the immigration will ask me upon entering Singapore again?
Hi i have a boyfriend in singapore. This is my 2nd time hre. First time i went hre nov last yr (2010) 2nd time is may this year (2011). Will be back to manila on 10th of july. Gusto nya kong pbalikin ulit sa august or sept. Problem is im not sure kung makakalusot pko. Nung first time nkalusot ako by showing them my old co id and nag stay ako fr 40 days. 2nd time i did it again gnamit ko nnman yung old co id ko. Naisip ko mgtataka n yung immigration cos obviously im lying ksi ang tagal kong nwawala sa pinas and told them im currently employed. Anu bang mgandang gawin if ever babalik ako dto sa singapore sa september? Ayoko ng gamitin yung old co ko eh :( pls need help.
Thanks!
Lot
hi! indeed your blog is really very helpful esp for those firstimers like me.anyway i am a 54 years old lady wanting to go there to spend my vacation. i have a roundtrip ticket for two weeks. i am still waiting for my friend's invitation letter until friday. i dont have intention of working there, i just want to have some rest and unwind. i am a hairdresser here in the phil and have my own salon as my source of income. if they ask me a company id what would i say? i dont have one because i am self employed. and how much pocket money should i have to pass their required amount? does a handwritten invitation letter from my friend will do?
i'm sorry for asking too many. it's just that i am nervous that i might be denied. please advise me what is the best thing to do.
thank you very much and may God bless you for this wonderful work you've been sharing for too many. good day and thanks a lot!
truly yours,
cecil
hi, i will be going to singapore either august or september for vacation purpose only for 5days. i don't plan to get a hotel accommodation since i have a friend staying there and has offered his place. will i get past the immigration with just the ticket alone? i'm concerned, as i might be asked for an invitation letter which i don't have. my friend told me that his address will do in case i will be questioned in the immigration... or should i just tell the immigration officer that i will get my hotel reservation as soon as i arrived in singapore? any thoughts??? pls.. thanks.
kaye
My apologies for my very late response on your comments. Here are my thoughts:
To Anonymous who posted a comment last June 21, 2011 7:52 PM:
I hope it's not too late to tell you that if you're planning to tour Singapore, there will be no problem. And since you will be going to Malaysia also, just show them your itinerary to Malaysia.
To Anonymous who posted a comment last June 23, 2011 12:47 PM:
Thanks! To be sure, ask for an invitation letter from your brother. It's better than having nothing. Don't forget to print out your return ticket to show the immigration officials.
To Maeza,
I think it's better that your boyfriend provides an invitation letter. Since you will be going back to Singapore with him, it's easier to explain. If you'll be a tourist, also provide a return ticket.
To Gwen,
Invitation letter and return ticket will suffice if you will declare yourself as a tourist. I think no need to show the contract, as you will be travelling as a tourist.
To Gracy,
Don't be afraid, if you'll just be going here for a vacation, just provide the invitation letter and the return ticket. Just relax and be cool when you pass the immigration. For pocket money, I'm not sure but I can say you just show them USD200-USD300.. but I'm not sure. :-P
To Anonymous who posted a comment last July 1, 2011 11:06 AM:
Yes, it would be risky.. but it depends on the situation and luck. I know a friend who also did that but it was pure luck that he passed the immigration coming from Malaysia. This would be a case to case basis.
To Lot,
You can just show them an invitation letter and return ticket. If you have no plan to work, then just tell them that you want to visit your boyfriend.
To Cecil,
For the invitation letter, it's much better if it will come from the Philippine Embassy here in Singapore with the seal. It would take several days to complete. For the company id, just tell them you're self-employed and just want to spend some time here in Singapore to rest and unwind. For the pocket money, I'm not sure but you can bring more, the better.. hehe.
To Kaye,
It's better if your friend gives you an invitation letter from him, processed in Philippine Embassy. I'm not sure if the self-made invitation letter will be ok since they have been stricter in the immigration. Last August 2010, when I went here for an interview, I just showed them an invitation letter from my sister with her address and IC number.
Thank you very much for giving your comments here. Any more questions are welcome.
thank you so much.. your thoughts are very much appreciated. kaye
hi mr. elmer.
Just want to ask an advise. i came from singapore and back here in phil. coz my visit pass expires while my pass application is on the process.
right now my pass is already approved. i want to ask what are the documents i need to secure from OWWA, if i will not going as tourist?
thanks a lot. Godbless!!!
No worries, Kaye. Glad I could help in any way.
Hi Anonymous who posted last July 12, 2011 12:21 AM
I'm so sorry I'm not that familiar when processing work papers in OWWA in the Philippines. I was not able to experience that because my papers was processed here in Singapore.
But in my opinion, what you need to secure from OWWA is the OWWA membership and OEC. To become an OWWA member, you need to present your work permit from your Singapore employer. Once you are a member, get the OEC next. I'm not sure if this can be processed in one day. And just a note, I believe they required that you are a Pag-ibig member before being given an OEC.
thanks for the reply sir!!! I'm thinking to go as tourist again. Godbless!!!
Hi, I'm a filipina who was able to find work in Dubai. Unfortunately my tourist visa expired before they were able to finish my employment papers. So I exited Dubai and went to Singapore to wait for my employment papers here. Do you think i will have a problem with the Singapore Immigrations if I depart from Singapore and go straight to Dubai with an employment visa? Can they ask me to go back to the Philippines? and depart from there? I don't know if this makes any sense at all, but i'd appreciate your advise.
Hi Elmerger,
I'm here in Sg Right now. I just got a job last week. And the company just applied me an S-Pass last friday. Then it was approved just today. What shall I do next? Do I need to extend my social visit pass here? How about my papers? Could you please guide me on what to do?
Thank you in advance. hope that you could help me. Godbless..
Hello Anonymous(the most recent one),
I think they can't hold you on exiting Singapore. They hold people entering the country, not the other way around. If you have no records, paid the correct taxes and owed nobody, then you're free to go to Dubai. :-)
Good luck on your employment in Dubai!
Hello Jane,
Congratulations! I think you just need to get your S-Pass and no need to extend the social visit pass. They will require you to give them your embarkation card for the S-Pass. The next step will be... working! :-) Also, contact your employer for the other requirements, if any.
Thanks for dropping by!
For those of you who are planning to find a job here in Singapore, please read this post: http://mytimeinsingapore.blogspot.com/2011/07/jobscentral-singapore-jobfair-2011.html
Thanks!
Hi Elmerger,
Thanks for the info. It's me again. Cause I got here in SG last june 28, so I my stay would be 1 month ong july 28. But I still have to go through medical exam.then process my S-Pass.. My housemate said that I have to ask an extension from MOM for my stay here, so that I don't have to make an exit. What shall I do? What paper should I present to the MOM? Thanks
I just want you to know that your blog helps a lot. Godbless..
Hello Jane,
Thank you very much for your kind words. I'm really happy that I can help.
For your question, I think you can process the medical exam and S-Pass without extending your social visit pass. That's my opinion, but just to be sure you can also inquire in MOM if there's a need to extend even if your S-Pass is already approved. It's better to be safe than sorry.
One question: Do your S-Pass have been e-issued online via Employment Pass (EP) Online? If yes, then no need to extend your social visit pass.
Hope this helps.
Thanks!
Yes, it is approved via Employment Pass Online by my Employer. I just got my IPA.,
Thanks a lot.
Congratulations Jane! No need to worry about your Social Visit Pass. Just process your S-Pass and medical exam and you're on your way to your new job!
Hi ELmerger
Im badly need ur advice now..i been in sg last feb then exit to Malaysia so exact 3mnths of staying in sg.i stay with my bf.now im already 2months here in phils..and i booked my ticket this coming 25july til 28july as a tourist
Pls help me what to say..cause i only have a return ticket, hotel voucher, and pocket money...I have a Singaporean bf but i cant say on behalf of him cause i dont have an invitation letter..Now im so nervous cause might they check why i stay longer in sg..pls help me..
Hello Anonymous,
If you can get an invitation letter, the better. I don't really know if they take note of people who overstay in Singapore, but you have to be prepared and anticipate that they do. Anticipate that they are going to ask you why you're going here and for how long. And if they mentioned that you have already stayed here for several months last time, tell them the reason why. Be prepared. It's better than being caught off guard.
Hi ELmerger,
Me, my sister and one of our friend will go there on July 31. We already booked for a two way ticket for 3 days vacation and also had an hotel accommodation for the stay, but we do not have any invitation letter. Actually we are also planning to look for a job there in SG. will there be any problem with that at the immigration if ever?
Hi Anonymous,
I think it will be ok. You're a group, and seems like you're really going for a holiday here in Singapore. They may ask you if you are still employed in the Philippines, so it's better to be prepared. If you are, then just show your company id. If not, then maybe just tell them that you didn't bring your company id. Just act normally and you'll get past the immigration. And keep in mind, if you're all girls they may give you a hard time and ask you a lot of questions. Good luck!
Thanks for dropping by!
hi i have a friend who started working in SG and she told me that she wanted to quit the job. she already signed a 2 years contract. is there anything we could do to help her?
Hi Sir i'll be going to sg on thur. mejo kinakabahn kse ako e. My gf is working in SG. Nagresign n po ako sa work ko. I still have my compny Id pero wala po ko invitation letter na meron seal? Round trip ticket dn po un ticket ko for 4 days. plan ko rn po sana maghanap n trbaho dun. tatawagn pa po b un company ko kapag prinesent ko un company id ko? ok lng po b kng sasabihin ko po magbabaksyon lng ako at dadalawin ang gf ko? any advice po sir? solo lng po ako mag travel.
Hi to all readers! I also want to share my experience here in SG, especially to those who are looking for a job. Be wise I suggest, I got fooled by an employer, they promised me that they will apply for an s-pass for me, and they assured that the pass will get approve before my visit pass expire, I trusted their words, I thought everything was ok because they photocopied all the requirements needed for online application. After 7 days of waiting I called the employer to check the status of the pass, then I just told that they haven't applied for it yet for the reason of the one who will apply for my pass is out of the country, I was shocked. I don't know how to react and what to feel that time because it was very clear that they will apply on the following day after my final interview. For the 2nd time they promised me again, they told me not to worry, they will apply it once the person in-charge will arrive & to wait for their call, I told them, "sir, my visit pass will expire soon, I have to go back to my country" and he answered me "yes I know, she'll arrive within the week wait for our call" feels like there is something wrong. I was upset & disappointed because I only have 5 days left here in SG & I cannot apply for a new job again because I had to go back in a few days, I haven't receive any call from them, I tried to call the person who interviewed me but it seems that they are just hiding from me and it feels like they just doesn't want to talk to me at all. Know I have to go back to the Philippines full of regrets, I wasted so much of my time, had I known it's gonna happen maybe I got a job with another employer, I should have not declined other interviews, most importantly, I should have not trusted their words.
Hi Anonymous(July 26, 2011 10:09 PM),
There are several things that we should know first. When she signed the 2-year contract, did it came with a bond. Is there any clause wherein your friend should pay an agreed amount in case she doesn't complete the contract? There are some cases where they declare the contract with a bond, but there are some that don't. My 1 year contract mentions that if I resign within the first 3 months, I should pay an amount.
But after the first 3 months, I can resign if I like.
Hi Anonymous(July 27, 2011 1:46 AM),
In my opinion, you'll be ok. Males are much less of a target of scrutiny by the immigration officials than females. Just tell them you'll be taking a vacation. Be sure to present your return ticket. I think they will ask you if you're employed and who's your employer. Just answer them in a cool and reserved manner. If they asked about your company id, just tell them you left it at home. I don't think they will call your employer, but just be prepared if they do.
Hi Anonymous(July 27, 2011 9:43 AM)
Thank you very much for sharing your experience here. I hope your piece will be a great help to others who are also trying to get a job here. And to help us more, can you share the name of the employer? So that we can steer away from them.
I hope you will rise up from this bad experience in no time and find your dream job.
To all our dear readers, thank you so much for taking your time reading and sharing your comments here.
Hi Elmerger!
Anyone can read this, sorry I can't tell the name of the company to avoid problems in the near future. Their posting is still at Jobstreet, they are looking for a Sales executive, so all I can say for the job seekers is to be wise, even if the company will show you a contract, never be deceive by it.
Oh sorry, not a Sales executive, Sales coordinator I should say... :)
I see.. thanks anyway. Thanks for your comments and guidance. This is the first time I heard of such case, so this is very helpful. Thanks again!
To all our readers, please be careful when taking up contracts from employers. Rest easy when you have already signed the contract. But if not yet, then take other interviews aside from the one who gave you the job offer.
Hi Elmerger,
I just want to share my story and a few questions from you, my husband and I cam here @ Singapore last July 3, 2011. We both resigned from our job in the Middle East for almost 5 years to try our luck here in the Lion City. On the day of our flight we also faced that terrible situation where in you have to be scrutinized by the immigration officer. On our first stop at the immigration officer on the booth he doubted that we are going there for a vacation instead he told us that it is questionable that we both resign from our work and we just came from Middle East 2 weeks ago before our flight here in Singapore and now we wanted to go there for a vacation. So, he told us to go on that room where there is another immigration officer to interview us but before that we are told to sign a form that if we don't come back on our return date to the Philippines we will be blacklisted and that we cannot enter any other country as a tourist. My question is do they really mean that? I am still here in Singapore and I applied through an agency here, I got interviewed by the employer and I was selected as well so on the time that the agent key in already my E-pass application after 2 days I called the agent and he said MOM rejected my application. He told me too that he spoke with the employer and they are going to re-appeal to MOM my application. But as far as I know it will take a month for the result of their appeal. Now, I have to make an exit to either Malaysia or Indonesia because my pass will expire on Aug. 3. My question is if I do return here in Singapore and the result of the appeal is not yet out can I still apply to other agencies or direct companies even if I have a pending re-appeal in MOM?
Thank You and I hope you can help us on this.
hello,good evening! i just want to ask an advise for my sister,actually she just came back from Singapore to Philippines last June 28 2011,before that she'd stayed in Singapore for two months while she's waiting for her E-Pass to be approved-actually before her two months of short term visit pass expires we tried to exit Indonesia but unfortunately after coming back Singapore the officer just allowed her to consume her remaining days till June 28.But now her E-Pass has just been approved.and FYI,i am actually her elder sister and i am already a PR in Singapore,currently i'm here in the Philippines and wil be going back to SG on August 1 2011 together with my sister.What shall i do -shall i just let her do her medical exam here in the Phils or it is better for her to do it in Singapore but we will declare that she is just only a tourist
please help!
Thanks in advance
will wait for your quick reply...
Thanks! and Have a nice day!
hello sir...i know how busy you are but i need your expert advise...
i am an OFW from mid east but unfortunately was terminated and returned home in the philippines since june22, so my passport have a cancelled stamp on it. until now i am not yet employed. and same as the others, im planning to go to SG end of this month or first week of september to find work but will go as a tourist first. i dont have any relatives there...i do have a friend but dont want to help me even to provide an invitation letter. what shall i do? please help me...
hope to hear from you soon.
thank you and God bless.
hi sir,
I am from india 22 male,just passed my engeenering from here and looking for a job in singapore.i have my round trip tickets from 21st to 28th august and also my hotel bookings done by one of my female friend in singapore.i dnt want to disclose her identity to the immigration officers but im also thinking of getting a invitation letter from her as a safe side to pass immigration.what should i do ? what should i say when im asked about my present emloyment ,as i dnt have any? how much extra money i will have to show them for my stay there as all my expenses she will bear , still i have around 10 thousand indian money extra with me
Hi there,I'm planning to work in Singapore and I'll pretend to be a tourist at our Philippine Immigration just to get through.
My question is; if I'm already in Singapore, what would I tell the Singapore Immigration Officer? Will I tell him that I come for work since I already have my EPEC? Or will I still pretend to be a tourist? THANKS A LOT!
I was once a hopeful of getting a job there in SG. I went there November last year and stayed for two months (of course, with an approved extension of social visit pass) with my boyfriend. I also went to that 'nightmare' experience with the immigration officers when I got to their booth and 'room' and was questioned. I just resigned then from an overseas work and stayed in the Philippines for just ten days. The holiday/ job-hunting was already planned with my friend few months back. At the immigration room, I got my finger prints scanned, was asked if I am still currently employed ( I said, yes. Hihi.), how much money I brought with me... blah blah and some sorts... Finally, I went out of that room assuming they were done with all of their questions. I was thinking WTH! are they doing with me but I was all smiling and ready to answer whatever they I wanna ask. They even asked for an ID from my current job. Well, lucky I was because I still have it with me then showed it to them. After all the interrogations, I left and they told me that they were sorry gave me some candies... Haha! I actually have my friend with me and her brother but they were both lucky not to fall to the queue that I went to. I have a proof of a round-trip ticket. I even got an invitation from my boyfriend's brother-in-law but I shouldn't have been so honest and just told them that the I who invited me is my boyfriend. So much of the scripts and alibis just to go through. Anyway, after a week of stay my friend and I got an employer... had a 3-day training and got paid for it. Fortunately, I got selected by the employer and my friend wasn't because the company got only one slot for foreign worker. The day of the application of S-PASS came but only to find out that it was rejected. I was thinking maybe because of the immigration because they already got my name on their system. I believe so... My stay and the job-hunting venture wasn't that easy that I had to go back home in the Philippines and leave my boyfriend without an assurance if I could still come back. As soon as I got home, I immediately went to an agency and applied thru them. Of course, with a hope of having a work in Singapore again but only to find out that I lack this certificate for me to be able to pursue my application. I tried also applying online then I got an invitation for an interview for my prospect employer. I booked a flight last March and when I was at the airport, oh boy!, my fear of immigration hit me again. There they are asking lots of questions even filled-up such form but I was able to pass that. This time I didn't have an invitation. How cruel was that?! And OMG! Here we go again... Dejavu! The immigration officers went questioning me again and this time they called my boyfriend on his handphone. And he was my knight in shining armour. I passed that 'room' again but I was warned not to stay for as much as two months. I had the interview but too bad I was not selected. So, I tried applying again. It was really frustrating. On my third week, I had an employer. I told them that my pass will expire this date. I thought they applied for my E-PASS the next day of training only to find out that it took them four days to apply when I received a message from MOM that my application was rejected and my extension for the social visit pass either. Well, now, I believe on what Singapore is not meant for me after all the efforts I did or maybe not this time. Good luck to everyone. And may God bless us all... I enjoyed reading this blog. I just wanna share what I have been to. I hope everyone will benefit from my experience. =) Thanks!
Hello my dear readers and commenters, my apologies for the delayed response. I will try to answer all your questions as accurate and as soon as possible.
Hello Anonymous(posted last July 28, 2011 5:11 PM),
Sorry for the late reply. I know it's very late but I will still post my response to you.
In your question that if they really mean to blacklist you, I think they are serious about that. This may also be the reason why your application for employment pass in MOM is rejected. In my opinion, you should not exit to Malaysia in case your pass will expire. It will make them more suspicious. I think it's better to come back to Philippines first, and apply online for a work while in the home country. And even if the result of the appeal has not come out yet, I believe you can still apply to other agencies. Just mention to them that you are currently waiting for the result of the appeal.
I hope this helps. Thanks!
Hello Anonymous(posted last July 29, 2011 1:00 AM ),
Again, my apologies for the late response.
If her E-pass is already approved, do they require your sister to take medical examination? If yes, then you can also process your papers in OWWA back in the Philippines. But be warned that this will be a time-consuming ordeal, you know our system. An easier way is to declare as a tourist visiting you for just several days, have her ready a return ticket and an invitation letter from you.
Hope this reply is not that late for you and your sister.
Hello Rai of Bataan,
To go here in Singapore as a tourist, please ready the following: Return ticket to Philippines, preferrably between 3-5 days after your arrival, pocket money, invitation letter. If you can't provide the invitation letter, you may also need to book accomodation where you will be staying while here in Singapore. You need to declare yourself as a touring in the immigration, just wanting to spend some holidays here. Show the officer your return ticket, invitation letter/hotel booking as a proof. If it's possible, you can try to go here on the weekend of 13-14 of August. JobsCentral will be having a job fair on those dates.
Hello Anonymous(posted last August 4, 2011 5:37 PM),
It would help if you can get an invitation letter from your friend. Your pocket money is enough if she will also bear all your expenses here. Present yourself as a tourist, and tell them that you will be visiting your friend and will be spending some time here for the holidays.
I hope this helps.
Hello Anonymous(posted last August 7, 2011 3:28 PM),
I'm afraid I'm not familiar on using the EPEC as a supporting document when gaining entry to Singapore. I think it's better to declare yourself as a tourist. Your EPEC will be your backup plan, if they don't let you enter, then you can tell them that you have an EPEC approved.
Hello Anonymous(posted last August 7, 2011 10:04 PM),
All I have to say is a big thank you for sharing your experiences here. I know our readers will be enlightened by your words based on your experiences. I hope many of our readers can get help from your comment. Thanks again!
To: Mr. ELmerger
From: Anonymous (August 7, 2011 10:04 PM)
You made my day for replying! I know it's too long and was not able to proof-read what I have typed. =)
Great job! Keep doing your blog as I keep reading them. And hopefully, after a few years or so, I can have my luck on landing a job there so I can be with my fiance. =)
Thank you very much for your kind words. I do hope that you finally find your job here in Singapore as soon as possible. It's been tough due to the government's effort to curb the huge influx of foreign workers, but with a little bit of luck and a ton of prayers, you'll succeed! Thanks again! :-)
hello ,
im the guy from india.im really very thankful for your reply.i just have one more query .i will be presenting myself as a tourist to the immigration officer.in that case can i carry my orignal graduation documents and resume in my luggage?and if they caught me carrying those documents at the immigration ,what will they do ?and how i need to react?
will it be safe to caryy those or not
expecting ur reply soon
hello,
i been offloaded by the immigration last Aug.5 going to Singapore for soo many reason i ddnt have a hotel reservation i just give the address of my friend, my friend is not an SG residence then they ask me to fax his passport as he did too,then theirs bunch of question..the BI officer give me sheets of paper and i seen some passenger's filling up there after that theirs another BI interview, theirs asking soo many documents ,we're 4 been offloaded now im planning to get a package tour only for 2 days and ill bring dollars with me how much you think funds they ask to satisfy them, i been offloaded., 4 days for now is there any record they will know i been through with that? this will be my first out in the country as a tourist and i pick singapore to visit to spend time and i got this traumatic experience now im scared to lose my money again..can you help me what to do in the immigration, or what other documents they need? because i will get return ticket and hotel reservation even dollars with me are they need more documents??plss reply me immidiately im getting my ticket tomorrow, i just wanna make sure i can pass the immigration question.
hello,
i been offloaded by the immigration last Aug.5 going to Singapore for soo many reason i ddnt have a hotel reservation i just give the address of my friend, my friend is not an SG residence then they ask me to fax his passport as he did too,then theirs bunch of question..the BI officer give me sheets of paper and i seen some passenger's filling up there after that theirs another BI interview, theirs asking soo many documents ,we're 4 been offloaded now im planning to get a package tour only for 2 days and ill bring dollars with me how much you think funds they ask to satisfy them, i been offloaded., 4 days for now is there any record they will know i been through with that? this will be my first out in the country as a tourist and i pick singapore to visit to spend time and i got this traumatic experience now im scared to lose my money again..can you help me what to do in the immigration, or what other documents they need? because i will get return ticket and hotel reservation even dollars with me are they need more documents??
im waiting for your immediate response,,im getting my ticket tomorrow
i dont have work im on training in Tesda just wondering if they will ask me where i get my money from for the vacation its all sponsored by my parents.
i will travel alone and just wanna see the place i dont have friends there..i just wanna see the place for 2 days is there any problem i can face in case? coz im a girl
I just saw your blog in random and I must admit that this is very helpful. Thank you so much.
I've been worrying a lot because this will be the first time that I will be travelling to SG.
I'm a girl and I'll be travelling alone next week but I'm meeting my friends there. I'm just going on a 5-day holiday and will be back to Manila on the 23rd. I am planning to stay at my cousin's dorm in SG but she has not sent me an invitation yet. I have return tickets and sufficient pocket money for my travel. i'm just worried that i might be denied if i cannot present them a hotel confirmation or invitation. so i'm really glad that your comments somehow lessen my worries. Thank you!
hi, i'm the EPEC guy. thanks for your quick response!
Hello Anonymous(who posted last August 9, 2011 5:06 PM),
No worries, glad to help. Regarding your query, I think it's better to hide your documents in your luggage. Put it to a place where they would not easily find those documents. If they would not find those, then there's no problem. But if they do, I'm not sure on how to react on that. There's no use lying if they already found out that you're carrying your graduation documents. Be prepared and expect that they would find your documents. And hope that they don't.
Hello ryameorsilgo,
I think you should let a week or two to pass before going at it again. If you have filled up some papers, then they may have some records on them. What they need is the return ticket, invitation letter, hotel accommodation and pocket money. If you plan to get a package tour, then I think it's better if you're not planning to find a job here. If they ask where you get your money, then tell them the truth(from your parents). I hope this helps.
Hello Anonymous(who posted last August 9, 2011 8:51 PM),
No worries and I'm glad to help. Good luck on your vacation and enjoy!
Hello Anonymous(who posted last August 10, 2011 9:48 AM ),
No problem!
Hi,
I'm going to SG on the first week of September. I will present myself as a tourist but honestly I will be interviewed by an employer. I will be staying there for a month but I need to go back on Oct 1 here in the Phils for my daughter's bday. Can't I still go back to SG after a week? Let's say I'll fly in to SG on Oct 7 as a tourist again, will the immigration denied me?
**deny
Hello,
Thanks for dropping by!
If you can ace that interview and the employer will hire you(hopefully!), I think it's better if you or your employer can process your work permit before going back to Philippines. By that time you will no longer worry if the immigration will deny you. After getting your work pass, you need to process your OWWA membership immediately in the Philippine Embassy and also get several copies of OEC. This will be needed when you present yourself as an OFW in the Philippine Immigration when leaving for Singapore.
I hope this helps. Thanks again!
thanks!! :)
Hello there,
Can i go home to Phils while waiting for my Wpass?
Hi!
I am going to SG because my dependant's pass application has been approved, I already have the IPA letter, I only bought one way ticket, my question is, is there a possibility that the immigration will still interrogate me? Or won't let me in?
Thanks!
Hi to you,
I'm sure you can go back to Philippines while waiting for the work pass, but you cannot present yourself as an OFW to the immigration when going back to Singapore. You may have to present yourself as a tourist, which is a risk getting denied in the immigration. Although I'm not sure on the steps for processing your OWWA membership in the Philippines. I'm not sure if you can process your papers in OWWA using the In-Principle Approval from the Singapore employer. I'll research on this part.
Hope this helps. Thanks!
Hi! I was actually 'googling' when I accidentally went to your page. I'm just curious... Would you know if I could still apply after a year or two though I have been rejected several times by the MOM for the application of my S-PASS before? Would they still find it out? Or would they still find my records with the Immigration because like the others I was also been questioned? Thanks!
Hi Elmerger,
Great page! I should say, it's very informative. I just have some questions. I hope you could help me.
I'll be leaving for Singapore on August 12. My return ticket is September 9. The only documents I have are the following:
1. Invitation letter from a family friend
2. Photocopy of her employment pass
She was not able to have the invitation letter authenticated. Also, I do not have my company ID anymore since I recently resigned. According to the threads that I've read, IO's eyes are hot on females travelling alone, with more than a week's return ticket (in my case, 29 days) and those without a valid company ID. I tick a check mark for all three. My questions are:
1. Should I tell the IO I resigned already?
2. Is vacation and tour enough reasons to stay for 29 days?
I could not see anything wrong with maximizing my stay in SG, but the threads proved otherwise.
Your advice will be very much appreciated. Thanks so much Elmerger! I look forward for your response. God bless!
- Trevina
Hi Sr.,
Good morning! It’s almost a week that I am so anxious about this immigration thing. Good thing I accidentally read your blog. Anyways, I will be leaving for Sg next week to visit my girlfriend who is currently having her OJT in a hotel. I already booked a flight last month with return ticket (5days stay). But What if I don’t have an invitation letter since my GF is only a trainee. Would that be a big problem with the immigration? After reading this thread, I already informed my GF to book me in the hotel to serve as a supporting document. By the way Sr., I’m currently employed here in Philippines and have no plans of looking for a job in SG. I just have this negative feeling that if I don’t have this IL, there is a possibility that I would be offloaded. Thanks so much and your blog is really helpful. Keep up the good work!
Hello Anonymous(who posted last August 10, 2011 5:53 PM ),
Unfortunately, I'm not able to say if the IPA for Dependent's Pass will be sufficient to get you past the immigration. Based on my experience, IPA is not equal to immigration pass. They held me back because I don't have the proper documents from OWWA. I think yours is a different case, if you can also provide documents like the IC of the person who gave you the dependent's pass.
I'm hoping for the best! Let us know what happened. Thanks for dropping by!
Hello Anonymous(who posted last August 10, 2011 10:21 PM ),
I'm sorry to hear that. I think you can still apply for a job here, as long as you're not blacklisted or something. They still have your records, I think, but there's no loss in trying, right? If you can, I think it's better to find jobs online before going to Singapore.
Hope this helps.
Hello Trevina,
Thank you very much for your kind words. Here are my thoughts on your comment:
1. You got it right, the IO's are more focused on females who are traveling alone without valid company ID.
2. I think it's better if you have booked your return flight for only 1 week(5 days is better). You can always rebook your ticket, it's just more expensive, but less risk of being denied.
3. I'm sure they will ask you if you are employed. If you tell them that you are, they will ask for your company ID. You can tell them that you left it at home, but 29 days of vacation is unreasonable in their point of view. If you can have a friend from your previous company, who can be called and tell them that you're still working, I think is ok too, but still risky.
4. I'm sorry to say this but I think you may be denied if you tell the IO that you will spend your vacation for 29 days.
Just my 2 cents. Hope this helps. Thanks again!
Hello Anonymous(who posted last August 11, 2011 10:34 AM ),
Don't worry, you won't be offloaded. Just present your company ID where you are working, and also prepare if you can have them call your manager/HR to tell the Immigration official that you are currently employed on your company. Even though you don't have the Invitation Letter, I think you can get approved because you're currently employed. And better still, (I assume) you're a guy. Just be calm and consistent in your answers when being asked. So no worries!
Thanks and I hope this is helpful!
Hi Elmerger! I am the Depandant's pass holder. Thanks for the advice, sure I'll share what will happen to me on Sunday... may God help me pass through the immigration.... (^_^)
Hi Elmerger..
Me & my friend (we are both males) are planning to go to Singapore to find a job. We already resigned, but we still have our company IDs, we have our round trip tickets. Our friend in Singapore is now processing the Invitation letter for both of us. Our concern is that our stay in Singapore will take 9 days! The IO might question us about the length of our stay. Could you give us some thoughts on these?
Thanks,
Harold & Kumar ;)
Hello Dependent's pass holder,
Glad to hear that! Good luck to you!
Hello Harold & Kumar,
Nice names! Hehehe..
Do you have a hotel booking? Or you will stay with your friend's? If you have already booked the ticket, then it's better to tell them that you will just take a long holiday in Singapore. Males are less prone to BI interviews than females. Just be cool when asked and be consistent with your answers. Show them your company ID when asked if you are working. And there will be no problem. Goodluck on your job hunting!
Thanks for your comments!
i just want to ask kung totoo bang pag nag exit ka ng malaysia kailangan mo ng mag stay ng 5days bago ka mkabalik ng SG? new rule daw. para ma extend.
Hello Milca,
I haven't heard that from anyone until you brought that up, but I think it's a logical thing to do by the immigration officials here in Singapore. More and more people are doing that kind of thing: exiting to Malaysia then come back to Singapore. I'll check on this information.
Thank you very much for the information! This will help others when planning for their trip here.
hi,
na confirm ko na po sya sa mga nandito sa SG na kailangan n talagang mag stay sa malaysia ng 5days minimum bago bumalik ng SG. hindi na pwde yung 24hrs..
sana makatulong to sa mga nag babalak mag exit sa malaysia..
-milca
Thank you so much for the information Milca. I know this will be helpful.
me and my one friend plan to visit in Singapore,,,,what should i prepare documents to travel in Singapore and were those documents can obtain? how much i spend for the documents.
pls answer all of these before we submit our application form to the embassy,
Hi Elmerger,
I'm planning to visit Singapore on tuesday August 16, 2011...but I do have a little prob as of this moment. I do have an invitation from a friend in Singapore but the prob is that the inclusive dates stated on the invitation letter does not coincides with the date of my roundtrip ticket. My travel date is Aug16-Sept15 while in the invitation letter it states that I'll be visiting SG on Aug16-31, 2011. Do you think this will have a problem when I presented it to the immigration here in Clark Airport? Do i need o ak my frend to fax a new copy of the invitation letter? please help me with my prob. thank you in advance.
Hello Anonymous(who posted last August 13, 2011 9:55 PM and 9:59 PM)
First of all, thank you for dropping by and leaving your comments here. Before I can answer your questions, I will assume that you're from the Philippines. If that's a yes, then here's what you need: passport, plane tickets(to and from Singapore,maximum of 5 days to prevent suspicion from the immigration officials) and if you will be visiting a friend or a relative in Singapore, an Invitation letter from them. If it's not possible to obtain an invitation letter, it's better to book a room/hotel accomodation during your stay in Singapore. Also bring an ample amount of pocket money, which you can show the officials if they ever ask. I believe you have your passport, so you need to book the tickets. Currently, it ranges from SGD100 - SGD250 for a two-way ticket. It depends on the dates you will travel and the time your booked. This is for budget airlines, as I have never travelled using the costly airlines. For the invitation letter, this can be acquired from the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, which costs around SGD45.
Hope this helps.
Hello Anonymous(who posted last August 13, 2011 11:34 PM),
Thanks for dropping by! In my opinion, this could give you a problem in the immigration. I think it's better to make your invitation letter in sync with your travel documents. And I'm having doubts on your travel dates, Aug16-Sep15. This may trigger the immigration official to ask you why you are travelling back in such a long time. Just a heads up.
Thank you very much!
Hi Elmerger & to all the readers!
I am the dependent's pass holder, I am very lucky because I passed through the immigration officer in the Philippines,I just showed them the IPA letter from MOM and the photocopied S-pass ID of my husband to prove that he is working here. Also, I just wanted to give some tips for the Filipinos who has an approved dependent's pass/IPA:
1.) Must have the original OEC & MC - this is for lesser travel tax payment
2.) Be ready on your answer when the immigration officer will ask what is your purpose, even if the answer is obvious they might still ask it... hehehe!
4.) If you still have work in the Philippines
3.) When are you coming back
Thanks!
Wow! That's great!
Thank you so much for the additional information that you provided here. I know this will be a great help to those who need this kind of information. Thanks again! Welcome to Singapore! :-)
Sr,
Un fren ko po is OJT lang jan sa sg..
Ok lang po ba na mg secure cia ng IL sa PHil. EMbassy kahit trainee lang po cia? and kung pwede po aside sa payment, anu pa po un mga requirements na dadalhin when applying?THANKS...
-GM
Hello GM,
Apologies for the late reply. I'm afraid I don't have the necessary information to answer your question. I'm still checking out the MOM website and other sites since I haven't encountered this one yet. I will see if I can find the answer. Maybe one of our readers have the answer, please feel free to share. :-)
Thanks for dropping by!
hi call me Rsearcher...
need your advice..for example if you have a pending application but then your tourist pass expires already then your MOM application no status yet, you go home already, then a few days later your employment/s pass approve you got now the IPA, since you mention IPA not honored with the Phil Immigration, what to do...what if we register with our POEA what would be the things needed...can we present only the IPA or we need other documents other than that?pls advice...thank you...so that no hassle in the immigration already then declare already you as an OFW.
Thank you,
Rsearcher
Hello Researcher,
I found this document from the POEA: http://www.poea.gov.ph/ofw/nameHire.pdf. I believe this information can answer your queries. The document lists down all the steps and document requirements. I'm sorry I'm not able to give any personal experiences regarding the processing of papers in POEA in the Philippines.
I hope this helps. Thanks for your comment.
Hello Elmer,
I really find your blogspot very helpful. I was looking into it but haven't seen somebody who has the same scenario as mine, so might as well ask you my questions.
My scenario is like this. I am currently here in the Phils and still have my current job. I got a job offer from a Singapore based company and I accepted it. My pass was approved. My employer sent me the IPA and I'm now waiting for the result of my medical exams. I don't want to go out of the country as tourist so I'm planning to get an OWWA membership and also attend the POEA pre-embarkation seminar.
Question:
1. Can I ask my employer to send me a copy of my employment contract?
2. Will IO still scrutinize me even if I already have my employment contract?
3. Do I need an invitation letter? I don't have any friends there.
4. My employer will should a one-way air ticket to Singapore. Should I still buy a return ticket?
5. Should I resign now? or I will just wait for my employment contract first? I'm having doubts in resigning in my current job because I just want to make it sure that
this is really sure ball for me. I don't want regrets in the end.
6. Will they send me my pass? or I will have to claim it there in Singapore?
Sorry I got a lot of questions.
Thanks for putting up this blogspot.
God bless.
-- Wena
Hello Wena,
Thank you very much for your kind words.
The way you're going, in my opinion, is the safest and what an OFW normally would do. The correct process is to register in OWWA and process your papers before going out of the country. And it will not cost your more money and energy(the stress and everything while going through Immigration).
Answers:
1 .I think you can ask your employer for the contract, they will understand that you need the document to secure yourself and become registered in OWWA. I'm not sure if you can also use the In Principle Approval as a proof that you will work in Singapore under your employer in case they don't send the contract.
2. The Immigration Officer will not ask you any more questions as long as you can present your employment contract/IPA and your papers processed in OWWA. Before leaving, you will also need to secure an OEC from OWWA.
3. As long as you have the processed papers from OWWA, they will not ask you to present an invitation letter.
4. If you have secured your OWWA membership, no need for a return ticket.
5. Timing your resignation really depends on two things: how long your notice period in your current company is and the work pass approval/processing. You mentioned that your pass is already approved, then that's good news! It's a step forward on your job here in Singapore. If your current company allows your to have a less notice period, then that's good. You can resign once you have processed your papers in OWWA. But if you have a month's notice period for resignation or longer, then you have to decide for yourself. You need to make a calculated risk. Can you cope up if ever (knock on wood!) the job here in Singapore didn't push through? Can you easily find another job in the Philippines or are you willing to risk it (and reap the huge reward of working abroad)? It really boils down on your decision. :-)
6. I think your work pass may need to be claimed personally. Based on my experience, they only sent me the IPA, then after several days I claimed the IC card in MOM.
Also, please see my recent comment on Researcher, I have included a link on the process of OWWA membership. I hope this helps.
Don't worry on the number of your questions, I hope I answered it all clearly.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi. I am planning to visit singapore next month. In fact, I've been working with my passport now. I don't need a visa right? do I really need to have an invitation letter (my friend invited me) ? how much is the show money? I will stay at my friend's condominium therefore I am not going to book in a hotel, so what am I going to say to the immigration?
thanks..
Hello Anonymous,
Yes, you are correct. No need for a visa. But you may need to ask your friend to get an invitation letter for you from the Philippine Embassy in Singapore if you will be staying at your friend's flat. The pocket money will depend on how long you're going to stay in Singapore. Also, if you are employed, don't forget to bring your company id or any proof that you are employed in case the immigration officials ask.
Hope this helps! Thanks for your comment!
and I forgot to ask, I'm planning to stay there for quite like to weeks, will it be question by the immigration officer?
another question pa nga pala, wala bang mas madali na paraan para sa invitation letter? I mean, kung ittype lang ng friend ko at isesend thru mail? btw, first timer lang ako.
If you will be staying here for more than 5 days, it will be more likely that the immigration officer will be asking you more questions. Unless you are employed in the Philippines and you can show the proof. If your objective is just spending some holidays, then it's easier.
I don't have a work at the moment so ano po mangyayari? gaano po ba katagal ang pagkuha ng invitation letter?
I don't have a work at the moment and will only stay for quite 2 weeks there for a pure vacation lang po..
If you're not employed, expect them to be asking more questions. What they're doing is trying to minimize the incidents of human trafficking and illegal recruitments. Just be calm and composed when answering the questions. No need to be nervous as you will just be spending some vacation in SG. Invitation letters can be processed within the day.
actually, expenses will be on my friend. he's asking me how much money will I need to show to the immigration since I'll be staying there for quite like 2wks. will just a simple invitation made by him will do?
anyway, I'm only 19 years old. pwede ko po ba sabihin na kaya wala akong trabaho ay dahil mag aaral po ako this coming sem. (nag stop po kasi ako)
pasensya na po kung maraming tanong, just want to make everything will work out.
thanks..
I see. Now I understand a bit about your case. I think it would be best if your friend is able to secure the Invitation Letter from the embassy. This would ensure that you went through the proper process and lessen the risk of being denied in the immigration. For the pocket money, $500 would be enough I think. It's just a show money, right? But if you can show more, the better.
Don't worry about your questions. I hope I can answer all of them to help you.
Goodluck!
thanks a lot. :) God bless you. hope to meet you in SG :D
hello friends
can i ask one q?
ca i buy s pass for my brother
he is coming Singapore end of this month on visit visa
can he get a job on visit visa
or eighter i buy s pass ?
plz rep me soon
Hello NFK,
Thanks for dropping by. What do you mean by buying an S-Pass for your brother? I believe the work permits cannot be bought. They are government-issued documents which requires a person applying to be eligible and able to fulfill the requirements before being issued a work pass. He can either find a job on visit visa and the employer will apply for the S-Pass.
I hope this answers your question. Thanks again!
Young Professor
I would like to ask if ever you will be able to land a job in sg through an agent, for what is the SGD$1,800 which will be paid and another SGD$1,800 for salary deduction for 3 months (SGD$600 per month) and another SGD$500? just curios my brother in law paid it all, anyway he got his EPASS....
my brother can easily get a job on visit visa
Hello Anonymous,
I'm very sorry but I don't pay attention to these kinds of process. I've heard some stories like this, but I don't want to promote this activity since it's illegal and unfair. It is way better to get your E-Pass on the correct process than getting it on a unlawful way, with the risk of getting caught and jailed.
I hope you understand my standing on this.
Thanks for dropping by!
i GUESS THE agent is legal but they are charging those fees that I have mentioned like the 2 SGD$1,800 and the additional SGD$500 but you will only pay if you are already hired and have an E PASS....
glad to find this post...i'm planning to go to singapore on the last week of september....does anyone here tried to leave from cebu?
since most people here are talking about strict BI in naia, how about cebu?
there are available flights from cebu direct to singapore...anyone tried yet?pls reply
Hello Anonymous,
Thanks for dropping by!
I have one housemate who tried going to Singapore from Cebu. He bought a connecting flight, from Manila to Cebu then Singapore. When he was in Cebu, he almost got denied by the officials. He told them that he would be attending his close relative's wedding here in Singapore but didn't have the invitation. They already got his check-in luggage from the plane but he was begging to the official. On the last minute, and after begging a lot, the official let him take the flight to Singapore. It was pure luck he got away with it.
In my opinion, and what my housemate said, it's more strict in Cebu compared to Manila. Please be warned.
If our readers have a different story coming from Cebu to Singapore, kindly share!
Thanks!
Hi Elmer Researcher here,
Thanks a lot for the link..i hope Poea payment is not that much...
as for the rest Cebu is also strict...be prepared for the invitation letter stamped by the Phillippine Embassy to avoid hassle and denial from the IO
Hello Researcher,
Yes, I hope that it's not that much. By the way, I have one favor to ask from you. Could you give us an update on your transactions with POEA afterwards, so that other readers can see that information here? It would be a great help for others.
Thanks a lot!
thank's for some advices u shared with us here.. co'z i'm so worried and depressed this past few days. I'm planning to come Singapore for the third time as a tourist to meet my boyfriend (Singaporean)I have the Invitation letter,our pictures to prove,hotel accomodation and a show money.. but I'm worried coz I always stay there for almost 2 months. And I know the Immigration here is so strict now. Luckily, my first and second time that went there, I encountered to go office of Immig. but still I pass through the Immigration questions. I hope ur guide and advices gave me more confidence in facing IO for the third time.
Still.. I do believe in prayers..:)
IF OTHERS CAN, WHY CAN'T I?:) as long that u know ur not doing anything wrong...:)
More power to you..:)
Hello Anonymous,
Good luck to you on your third time going here! I hope you pass the Immigration in the Philippines again so you can see your boyfriend. You know, only in the Philippines you can find it's government restricting citizens from going out of the country, even if the a person has not committed a crime. Most of us wants to go abroad to seek a better life for our family, and they make it hard on us in the Immigration with their own petty reasons. But look on those people with money and power, whose crimes are all over and yet they still can go in and out of the country without any hassle. Only in the Philippines.
And thank you very much for your kind words!
Hi My name is allan,
my question is this, my friend who is already working in SG will be coming home this weekend, so i decided to tag along and go to SG to do my job hunt. my question is, would i need to have an invitation letter if the one inviting me is already with me?i also have resigned from my job but i still have my employees id with me. also, how much money would i need to show for a 5 day holiday in SG? thank you so much!!
Hello Allan,
Thank you for dropping by!
To be sure, you should bring the invitation letter. Although you will be tagging along with him going to Singapore, each person is questioned one by one in the Immigration, unless you booked your flight together with him(e.g. both of you in a single flight itinerary). And be sure to bring that company id to show to the official. Also bring an ample amount of money, the more the better. Maybe $250 or $300 is enough if you will be staying in your friend's flat.
Good luck and God bless!
Thanks for the advice.
Actually, my friend booked first then he told me to booked in the same flight as his. would this be any good?
also about the money, can i just bring peso first then convert them to sg wen i reach singapore?
thank you for your time.
Hello Allan,
I think it's ok, but you will be asked separately on the immigration. It's better if you go first on the booth with your friend waiting on the line. In case the official asks for him, you could easily call your friend.
Bringing peso is also ok, I think. But in my opinion, dollars is better.
Thanks for your comments!
Hi ELmerger,
I went over your blog and surely it helps a lot. Thanks for the info. By the way, I planning to visit Singapore alone this October for 2 days and after that I'll visit Malaysia and then Vietnam and finally back to the Philippines. I am bit worried about the immigration in Singapore. Will they let me pass the immigration? Can I argue with somebody, like file a case, etc if ever they will not let me pass?
Cheers,
Jojo
Hello Jojo,
Thanks for your kind words.
I think there will be no problem for you as long as you will show the necessary documents. But on the filing of case, I have no idea. I guess it's better not to argue with them since you are in a foreign country.
Thanks!
Thanks a lot for your reply Elmer.
Hi mr elmer,
This blog site is very useful and helpful. I would like to ask one question because one of my friend went here in singapore last july 31 so her visit pass expired last august 29, 2011. She tried to apply online for the extension but denied by ica. Contract signing was done and she is just waiting for her IPA. Right now, she in malaysia while waiting for her IPA. Is there a possibility that she can go back to singapore once her ipa will be approved considering that she exited in malaysia?
Thank you
Hi Elmer:
My name is EJ - I will be going to SG because of 2 reasons, to relax and to find a job, I've read all the questions and responses above, my only concern is I am planning to stay there for a month, of course I can not declare that right? if I will state that I will stay there for just 3-5 days but the truth is that I'll be there for 1 month will i have a problem then? so i need to have a return ticket on my 5th day right? but does it mean that i need to be back on the 5th day as well? sorry im clueless *wink*
No problem, Jojo.
Hello Anonymous,
I think it should be okay once your friend brings your IPA when passing the Singapore Immigration. But I'm not sure if they will apply the number of days she should be in Malaysia before entering Singapore again.
Hello EJ,
Once you established that you will be going here for 3-5days by showing your return ticket. But the visit pass that they put on your passport is valid for 30 days. If you want to extend, then there will be no problem.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for your comments!
Hi i am client,
I will be leaving davao to sg via cebu this october, and I am going there for job hunting but i have a job here in the philippines as a college instructor, will it be easy for me to pass the immigration? I am planning to bring about P70K will it be allowed or shall I convert them all to SG$ in Cebu? I am waiting for the invitation from my Uncle who is working in SG and has an S pass, does it be necessary for the invitation letter to have a stamp from ph embassy in SG?
hello mr. elmer,
what a nice blog site, it's so very useful and helpful.
I and my girlfriend will be going to singapore dis month of September.We already book a round trip ticket for 7 days. I'm just worried because you said maximum of 5 days is the ideal to prevent suspicion from the immigration officials. We will be going there as a tourist but the truth is, we will try to find job there. Is 7 days too long and can make the two of us be denied? please help us. thanks and more power.
Hi,
My boyfriend and I wil be travelling to SG on SEpt 20-26 for a tour and will go to KL fro just a day aswell. We already have round trip tickets, have bought ticekts for universal studios, zoo and pre-paid our hotel accommodation.
What's bugging me is that I am currently employed by my boyfriend who happens to be the general manager of an australian company which is still under the process for registration here in Cebu,Philippines thus not having any company id just yet.
Would that affect our chances of getting approved at the immigration?
How much pocket money should we bring each?
Hello Elmer,
I heard so much about this site...i hope you can help me too with your advises...
I recently got back from Singapore after 2 months of stay looking for a job. i had my pass applied but it was withrawn based on a mutual decision by myself and the employer due to insufficiency of skills. Now, I plan to go back there after 3 weeks as I have other pending applications that I want to pursue. My problem is passing through the gates of immigration here and in SG. Is there any way that they will be able to check that I have my pass aplied in MOM? I would like to pose as a tourist or traveling for business. I can show them my passbook in BDO as I have a joint account with my dad with a huge amount should they ask how can I sustain my stay there.
Your expertise will be well appreciated.
Thanks...
--puremadness--
Hello Client,
If you are still employed during the time you'll be going here in Singapore, then I think there will be no problem. You should also convert your money before going here, it depends on how much you will convert. And the invitation letter with Philippine Embassy stamp is much better that those without.
Thanks for your comment!
Hello Anonymous(who posted last September 5, 2011 7:58 PM),
Thank you for your kind words. If you can show them that you're still employed, then I think there will be no problem. Also, if you can provide a hotel booking or where you are staying, then I guess it's no problem. Seven days is a bit long for a vacation, but I think it's ok. Good luck to both of you!
Hello Anonymous(who posted last September 7, 2011 9:22 PM),
According to the information that you provided, you will be having no problem in the immigration. The more money you can bring, the better. But basically, a $500 for both of you can be enough.
Hello Puremadness,
I think it's better if you can let a month or two pass before going back to Singapore. You can also continue finding a job online during that time. And I think it's better to assume that they can check you have applied pass in MOM. For your pocket money, I think it's better if you can show a bit of cash, and if they are not impressed, show your bank account with a huge amount. :-)
Thank you very much all for commenting and visiting this blog.
God bless!
so 250$ each is enough already? thanks for the information :) it really helped.
thank you for the information....
-client
Hi Elmer.
This site is so cool, I have read helpful tips for my travel to SG. However I have some questions to ask.
1. I am travelling to SG this last week of September via Dubai. I already have the IPA from MOM for my e-pass. My question is on entering to SG what documents do I need to present from SG Immigration officer? Do i need a letter from the company? Do i need a two way ticket? Or the IPA is enough for me to enter Singapore?
2. If I already in SG i want to get my fiancee a long term visit visa, is this possible? My Epass visa is in P2 category. She will be coming from the PHL and she is not currently working. What we planned is to get her come to SG as a tourist and eventually I will apply her for a long term visit visa.
3. Do you have an idea how long I need to stay in SG before i can apply for PR?
Hope you can share your thoughts on this.
Thank you and Goodluck and more power....
And as excerpt from the movie kung fu panda...May the force be with you...
MJ
hello! i'm a girl going to singapore alone for a 3days visit..i have may return ticket naman but i dnt have an invitation letter coming from the embassy..all i have is yun personal invitation letter (not authenticated by the embassy) from a friend working in singapore saka yun employment ID & passport nya..& also i will be staying at her place..its my first time to travel abroad and im just worried s mga nadidinig ko n negative issues abt immigration lalo n s clark..any help? thanks!..
hi elmer,
my 2mos. social pass expired sept 3 and my flyt going to the phils was sept2. i had a pending epass back then in MOM and i thought uwe nako since nareject nko bfore and il just wait here in the phils for the approval for the 2nd try of epass application. then when i got here in the phils, naapprove epass ko. now my worry is how to get back to sg without being hassled by the philippine immigration officers since sa SG immigration i can show them my IPA ryt? i hope you can help me because its hard to get approved by MOM and i dont want this opportunity to be stolen just because i couldnt go back to SG. I still have my old company ID though, im thinking of using it kaso napaparanoid ako, would they call the office just to verify if employed pa ako dun? thank you very much in advance elmer-- SJIL--
hi! this is mart..i'll be going in Sg nxt month but I don't have an invitation letter..i am so worried if i will pass the interview..what will I do? one thing, ask ko lang sana po kung pwede magdala ng pagkain sa SG from Phils. like noodles kasi sabi daw super mahal ng mga pagkain..about na ka golite lang ang ticket ko roundtrip..thank's..
Hello Anonymous(who posted last September 9, 2011 6:16 AM),
I think it's enough. You're welcome!
Hello Client,
No worries, happy to help!
Hello MJ,
Thank you very much for your kind words. Here is my attempt to answer your questions:
1. Honestly, I don't have any information regarding the documents required when entering Singapore from Dubai(since I've never been there and I don't have any friends who went here in Singapore straight from Dubai). At the very least, you can present to the immigration officer your travel documents, IPA and the embarkation card that will be filled up once you arrive in Singapore.
2. Yes, that is possible. You can apply for her a Dependent's Pass. You can get additional information from MOM website: http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/passes-visas/dependant-pass/before-you-apply/Pages/default.aspx
3. As long as you are a S-Pass or E-Pass holder, you can apply for PR. But I recommend that you spend some time here first before applying. Right now, they are very strict on giving out PR to foreigners. To boost your chances of getting approved for PR, you may need to stay for at least 2 years before trying to apply. That is my plan as well.
Hope this helps!
Hello Anonymous(who posted last September 11, 2011 8:56 AM),
Thanks for your comment. I want to ask you if you are employed in the Philippines. If yes, then do not worry and just tell them that you are employed and just want to spend some time in Singapore. If not, then it might be a bit risky for you before right now people from the BI is tightening the grip on people travelling abroad, especially women. Goodluck to you!
Hello SJIL,
I'm glad to hear that you have your epass approved! Now our problem is getting back here without getting questioned by the Phillipine Immigration. Hmm.. I think you can show them your old employment id. But don't be nervous, this is your chance to have a job here in Singapore. Be calm and do not think of negative thoughts. And pray! Good luck!
Hello Mart,
Thank you for dropping by! I would like to know your reasons going to SG? Is it work or vacation? If work, then you have to ensure that you can show your return ticket. It's preferrable that your travel is between 3-5days. Bringing food in your carry on bag is not recommended. If you have a check in luggage, put your food there. But carry on bags, I'm doubting they will allow you to bring inside the airport. But you might as well try, but do not bring any liquids in your bag. It will get thrown away.
Hope this helps.
Thank you all for giving these wonderful comments! I apologize for the super delayed response. I've been very busy at work and I can't get my writing and blogging anymore. Don't worry, I'm finding out a way to make this work, so I can answer your questions on time and post more informative articles.
Again, thanks for dropping by!
hi! mart again.. we're planning to look for a job there (w/ my bff) but we're still employed here in the Phils. & I doubt also that in 5 days we can get a work there..we have already a return ticket..By the way, thank u so much for the advices here..it's really very helpful! God bless u!
Hi.
I just ended my contract here in Singapore and I have a new offer from a different company. I already have the in-principle letter for this new offer and thought of starting this oct. Before I start, I'm planning to go back to the Philippines first because I haven't been home for a year now. I still don't have the epass card, just the in-principle letter. I'm an OWWA member but I have no OEC. Will they (Philippine Embassy here ) provide me with the OEC for me to go home and come back here to start working? Thanks.
Regards,
Ysabelle
Hi elmerger,
Im thankful that I read ur blog…
Ill be going to Singapore on november for 9 days ALONE since my boyfriend who is currently working there invited me for a vacation (his birthday gift for me) …I already have the two-way ticket ; (nov 3. flight is 7:40pm to nov.13 flight is 12 midnight = good for 9 days and 10 nights including my travel time). But I don’t have an invitation letter yet. Im not planning to work there in SG because im working here in Leyte, my purpose of my travel is for a tour and to visit my boyfriend only . In fact my boss already approved my Leave in our company.. I know that 9 days is too long, but my boyfriend wanted me to stay longer there for that duration so that we can visit all the places/tourist spots /go shopping there for 2 Saturdays, 1 Sunday and the rest is during nighttime since he is working on daytime….
My question is that is it necessary to have a red seal invitation letter? Or is it ok that the invitation letter is just a simple invitation letter from him?
Do you have an idea how much would it cost for the red seal invitation letter?
Would it be wise to provide an itinerary for my 9 days?
I'm really nervous for the immigration official.
hope to hear from you soon since I have only 1 month to prepare..Thanks!
Heidee
PS: Our HR already gave me a certification that im presently connected/employed in our company. She also gave me a salary certification for proof to be presented to the immigration... im afraid because a blogger said that it's more strict in cebu..my flight is from cebu-SG then Sg-cebu. Is it necessary that the invitation letter from my boyfriend be authenticated by the Embassy? Pls reply.
Thanks and God bless
heidee
is it ok if the letter of invitation will be made by a PR individual and will not be authenticated by Embassy?
as they say BI people in the philippines is more stricter than the BI people of sg... but once your through with that in the Ph you have a happy day in sg is that true. and cebu is far more relax compared to clark and manila
thank u anonymous dtd sept.18 7:20pm. kumuha nalang ang bf ko ng authenticated IL since may classmate ako na ung ka officemate niya hindi naaprove sa BI sa cebu since hindi siya nagdala nga AIL.
Is there anyone here na meron idea kung magkano ang dadalhin na money na required lang sa BI? 9 days po ang trip ko
Pls help me.thanks a lot and God bless our trip
heidee
Hi! I tried to look for a website for Filipino who work in Japan but i can't find anything instead I saw your website.Please help me. When I leave the country I don't have OEC then now I need to return to the Philippines. Do Airport Immigration will check my passport if I have OEC? In my passport I have Japan's port of entry and working visa but I don't have POEA OEC. I am scared that they will suspend my passport. is it possible? Please give me an idea.
hello sir elmerger,
i am princess.
im a fresh graduate, i have A friend and her sister is working in sentosa in high position.they offer us to be a trainee..then my friends and i where interviewed by the hr through skype and we passed the interview. but the problem was our training employment pass was rejected by mom and we dont know the reason why! only one got the pass recently .for my case, is there a possibility of success if our employer re-alppy our pass or is it rejection again.thank you so much...
follow up question again sir. can i also ask our employer to appeal to our rejected pass????what can you suggest to me sir??thank you again ^^.
Hi Mart,
No problem, I'm glad to hear that. :-)
Hello Ysabelle,
I'm not sure if they will give you the OEC, but last time I heard from them they will honor the contract from your employer. But when I checked their website, it lists down the Employment card, S Pass or Work Permit card. I think it is better to confirm with them first. And don't forget to bring your IPA going to Philippines and back. You will be required to show it in the SG Immigration when you come back.
Hope this helps.
Hello Heidee,
If you have the documents that you mentioned, I think the Invitation letter will suffice even if it's just made by your boyfriend. They just a proof that you are going back to Philippines, and one of the proof is that certification that you are employed in your current company. Also bring your company id to be sure. I also heard that it was more stricter in Cebu than in Manila, but with the documents you are holding, you don't have to worry. Just be relaxed and calm when they ask you questions. Give them the documents when they ask. If they still ask, you can give them the contact number of your office as a proof and they can call your colleagues. For the pocket money, you can bring around SGD250-SGD500, I think this will be enough for the BI. But don't ever pay them any bribe just to be approved. You are a Filipino citizen, committed no crime and have a right to travel outside the country.
(Unless you are a wanted person. Kidding :-))
Safe Trip!
Hello Anonymous(posted last September 17, 2011 6:55 PM),
It depends on the situation. For me, it's better to be authenticated and made by the Philippine Embassy. But you can provide documents like the ones mentioned by Heidee, an invitation letter made personally will suffice, in my opinion.
Hello Anonymous(posted last September 18, 2011 7:20 AM),
You are correct, Immigration officials in the Philippines are way stricter than the officials in Singapore. You know the "crab mentality" of our people, they don't want us to be successful outside the country. On the other side of the coin, they are also limiting the instances of "tourist workers" and illegal recruitment, because when our fellow people realized that they are victims, there's only one place they would go to: the Philippine Embassy.
Hello Rsgosm,
I don't know if the process is the same in Japan, you can go to the Philippine Embassy in Japan and process an OEC before going back to the Philippines. I think it's easier to process your OWWA membership and get an OEC in our Embassy in Japan than in the POEA where the system is slow and corrupted and the lines are never-ending.
And I have a question for you: Is it easy to get a visa if I just want to travel around Japan as a tourist?
I hope this helps.
Hi Princess Glamour_Regine,
I'm sorry I'm not that familiar with the application process for trainees here. What I read from the MOM website, for the Training Employment Pass, you should be an undergraduate. As you have mentioned, you are a fresh graduate. I think that's why they rejected your application. Maybe you can tell the employer to apply you for a Training Work Permit, but this would be also come with prevailing criteria. Also, I'm assuming they are still cutting down the number of foreign workers and trainees here in Singapore.
I hope my replies can help. Good luck and safe trip!
thank you mr. elemer...but my friend tep pass approved, we are in the same company too.thank you so much
Hello Glamour_regine,
I'm thinking they are implementing a rule or something on the reduction of foreign talents in a company. I believe the government has set a rule that a company can only take/employ a number of foreign workers. Why don't you apply for a Work Permit or S Pass? I guess you can work there with your friends. :-)
Hello
I have read your posts as well as the comments above. I think the posts are very informative and helpful. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us. I have few questions for you though. Here is our scenario. My daughter and I are going to singapore. We booked our flight on december 14, 2011 and the return ticket was booked on jan06, 2012. Our vacation would be for 21 days. The purpose of our vacation is to visit my fiance who is also the father of my daughter and to celebrate Christmas and new year with him. My fiance is working there and he is a pass holder.By the way, my daughter is only 1 year and 10 months at the time of our travel and it would be our first time to travel abroad. I am a 2nd yr law student and currently unemployed.
Here are my questions:
1.) Would there be a lesser chance for me to be offloaded since im travelling with my daughter?
2.) My fiance is going to send me the authenticated invitation letter as well as the scanned copies of his passport and pass id. Are these documents enough to be presented?
3.) I have my previous company id and it does not indicate any validity period. Is it safe if I tell the IO that I'm still employed and show them that company ID? or should i just tell the truth that I'm still a student and show them my student ID as well as my matriculation form?
4.) My fiance and I are planning to get married in Singapore, is it safe if I tell that info or not?
Hello Elmer,
Thank you for sharing with us your experiences and advices. It is really informative and helpful for people who are having dilemmas specially in going through the immigration. I have few questions for you though. Here's my situation.
I am going to Singapore together with my daughter. We booked our flight on December 14 and the return ticket on January 6, 2012. So basically, we are going to stay there for 21 days. The purpose of our travel is to visit and spend Christmas and New year with my fiancee who is also the father of my daughter. By the time of our travel, my daughter would be 1 year and 10 months old already. It will be our first time to travel abroad. I am a 2nd year law student and currently unemployed. My fiancee is a pass holder and he will be sending us the authenticated invitation letter.
Here are my questions:
1.) Is there a lesser chance that I'll be offloaded since I'm travelling with my daughter? I'm afraid that we may be denied because we will be staying for 21 days. I read in the other posts that more than 5 days of stay will be a red flag for the IOs.
2.) My fiancee will send me the authenticated invitation letter, scanned copies of his passport and pass ID. Are these documents enough to be presented in case they ask? I will also bring copies of my daughters birth certificate.
3.) I have my previous company ID which does not state the validity period. Is it safe to tell them that I'm still employed and present that company ID or should I just tell the truth that I'm a student and present the school ID/ matriculation form?
4.) My fiancee and I are planning to get married in Singapore during our stay there, is it ok to tell them that info or not?
Please advise. Thank you so much
-Jo
Hi Jo,
Thanks for dropping by and for your kind words! I'll try to answer your questions based on my experiences and other people I know.
1. Your chances of getting through immigration will still be based on different factors. One factor is shortening your stay in Singapore, say 5 days. Telling them that you will stay there for 21 days will really sound like a red flag to them. That is if you're travelling alone. Since you have a daughter, and you plan to spend Christmas and New Year here in Singapore, I guess it's a different story. If you have already booked your return ticket, that's good. Show them your return ticket.
2. I think that will be sufficient.
3. I guess it's better to tell them that you're a student and show them your school id's and other documents. This will prove that you will be coming back to Philippines on January 6, 2012. You can also use this for your reasoning that you just want to spend your 21 days with your fiance to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
4. Hmm.. for your last question. Maybe you can tell the Singapore Immigration officials(but never to the Philippine Immigration officials), if they ask what is your purpose when visiting Singapore. Just tell the PH Immigration officials that you will be spending the Christmas holidays in Singapore and that's it.
Hope this can help. Thanks!
Hello Elmer,
Thank you so much for your reply. God bless always.
Sincerely,
-Jo
Thank you for the information. Got denied by airport immigration today. I will try again sunday. I was so devastated a while ago but thanks to your blog I found new hope. I will try to book a hotel first, and then book a new flight with a return ticket a 3 days. Hopefully I dont encounter another problem. Thanks.
Tj
thank you elmer for the reply..now im more confident nah to face our IO..hehe..and also more prayers pa na sana walang problema na ma encounter...thanks a lot..
Godbless pinoys!
heidee
Hello Jo and Heidee,
Thank you and goodluck!
Hi TJ,
It's saddening to hear that you got denied by immigration. Was it the PH immigration or the SG immigration?
Goodluck!
Hi,
i just want to ask i have a plan to go to SG for 3 days only. I am jobless because i was an OFW with cancelled visa to other country not SF for almost 1 month already. i only have a round trip ticket, no hotel accomodation bec. i will stay on my friends pad. Does my cancelled visa will affect my visits to SG?
Please i need your advice
thank you
--josa
hi mr elmer..
your blog really help us a lot..
im a fresh graduate and we book a flight going to sg this 15 of october with my mom.for 4 days.ive been a trainee is singapore for 6 months.now mom and i want to have a tour in sg.we only hve passport,2 way ticket..i have a singaporean who apply our invitation in phil embassy but they dont want to process because of different nationality.wer planning to bring 20 to 25 thousand as a pocket money..regarding the accommodation we arrange a room for rent of one our kbabayan der who offer for only 10sgd a day..wat will i say to immgration about accommodation??is it true na mahaharang aq and need to n mainterview dhil ngng trainee aq for 6months? like one of my friend.i dont want to see my mom disappointed kung sakaling d kme mtuloy kya gusto ko ng assurance and more advice pra mginf ready for our flight..
thank you sa reply..
Godbless u sir
--josa
singaporean bf pu pla mali lng ng type sorry :D
hi sir elmerger!
i am a female, with business visa to qatar, but actually be going there to work. i have heard many offloaded BV holder with direct flight form Philippines to Qatar.
i'm planning to go to Singapore first and visit my kumare for a day in malaysia (30 mins. drive away from SG airport)then i'll go to qatar the following day from SG airport.
do you have an idea or information on the possibilities and/or challenges i'll be facing in my itinerary?
i bought two-way MLA-SG ticket and SG-Doha ticket plus a dummy Doha-SG.
your idea and tips will help me a lot.
peace!
hi sir! are all people going out from the country will be interviewed by the immigration? like the day of the flight itself? because its my first time to go out of the country and will go as a tourist, but actually i was hired there already and according to my employer my pass is already approved. im so nervous that they might find out about it. my flight will be on the 15th of october. please reply. thankyou :)
Hi Sir! I have a roundtrip plane ticket for a seven days vacation, and it will be my first time going to singapore. I don't have any idea for a possible questions. I'm afraid for the interview of the officer in the immigration at Singapore. I don't have any plan just for a vacation and to visit my friend working there. By the way,I just have an online Home Based Jobs, Part Time Jobs and don't have any ID to present if ever they ask for me. Is there any possible sure questions by the immigration officer? I want to make sure that I can light pass through. Please help...Thank you
Sincerely,
JT
hi sir,
Good day, i just wanna know if we have a package tour going to SG. safe po ba kmi na makalusot sa immigration? Looking forward to hear from you. Thank you...
Regards,
Rowena
Hi Elmer,
I just want to ask kung pwede na ba yung self-made invitation letter? at kung pwede ano yung mga bagay na dapat ilagay dun?
mag tour lang ako sa SG from oct. 19 - 25 lang naman.
thanks in advanced :)
hi there...i had been to SG last month i arrive there last sept 6 then go back oct 5 actually me permit ako nun kya lng hnd maganda ung nging treatment ng employer ko so nag run away ako and go s embassy pero wla nmn nging problem my employer and my agent just let me go back home hnd po ako blocklisted me ngoffer sakin ng job but she wants me to just go back as tourist and then dyan n ipaprocess ung working permit was it possible?im planning to book 4 a flight this coming nov 1st week i dont have invitation but i have plan n mgpabook s hotel maybe 4 3 days pr safe would it be helpful if i have computer shop business here in phil need ko b bring ung mayors permit nung business ko to present s imig officer pwede ko rn b mging reason n imimeet ko ung bf ko kya lng hes also a foreigner there and student p kindly suggest me things to do plz...so i know wat im going to do before buying my ticket and face the monster in BI lol..tnx and god bless..
Hello. My friend and I are going to Singapore on Feb 5 and our returning flight is march 5. so that's exactly a 1 month stay, my question is, would it be possible for us to fly to sg showing our 2 way ticket though our returning ticket is 1 month after our long stay in sg?
good morning! tanong ko lang po sa inyo mga kababayan kung ano po ung chine-check ng singapore immigration pagdating mo sa airport?
tnx
Post a Comment
Note - If you are asking a question, click 'Subscribe By Email' link below the comment form to be notified of replies.