What does Singapore Permanent Residency mean to a Filipino?

One known reason (if it's not the main reason) of why Filipino workers take Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) is security. If an employment pass (EP) holder leaves the company, the EP is canceled and he must leave Singapore unless he finds employment with another company.

This was addressed when the Singapore government introduced the Personal Employment Pass (PEP) scheme. The new PEP is not tied to the employer and will be granted on the holder's individual merits. The PEP allows the holder to remain in Singapore for up to six months in between jobs to evaluate new employment opportunities.

But for a Filipino who has become as "kiasu" (Singlish, afraid to loose) as a Singaporean, this is not secured enough. Changing jobs in Singapore won't be that easy and there's always the risk of being rejected when you apply for an EP.

Permanent Resident status gives more freedom. Your employer will contribute to your Central Provident Fund, Singapore's social security plan (an enforced savings, which grows pretty rapidly, deducted from the monthly salary), from which one can use to pay mortgage payments for housing. This also includes a medical insurance that covers most of your medical expenses. Long term social visit passes for one's parents to stay in Singapore is also granted. Applying for loans is also easier if one's a PR.

With effect from 15 February this year, a free on-line self assessment system called the Naturalisation Eligibility Tool has been introduced to enable foreigners working and staying in Singapore to do a self-check on their eligibility for Singapore Permanent Residence and Singapore Citizenship.



My result: GREEN light

"You are eligible for Singapore Permanent Residence based on the information you have provided."