Employment Visa

Employment Visa | Bestar

Singapore, HK, Malaysia Work Visas

Securing an employment visa in Singapore, Hong Kong, or Malaysia requires a clear understanding of each country's unique regulations, eligibility criteria, and application processes. While all three are economic powerhouses in Southeast Asia and offer attractive opportunities for foreign professionals, their immigration frameworks differ significantly. This article will serve as a comprehensive guide for navigating the complexities of obtaining work visas in these key hubs.

Singapore Employment Pass (EP)

The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is designed for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. The application process is rigorous and employer-sponsored. Eligibility is based on a two-stage framework: a qualifying salary and a points-based system called the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).

• Eligibility: To be eligible for a Singapore Employment Pass, you must have a job offer from a Singapore-registered company. Your role should be a professional, managerial, or executive position. You must also meet a minimum qualifying salary, which increases with age and varies by sector (e.g., financial services have a higher benchmark). In addition to the salary requirement, you must score at least 40 points on the COMPASS system, which evaluates four core criteria and two bonus criteria. The core criteria are:

  
  

  • Salary (C1): Your salary is benchmarked against local professionals in your age group and sector. The higher your salary relative to the benchmark, the more points you get.

  • Qualifications (C2): You earn points for having a degree from a top university or a qualification highly recognized in your field.

  • Skills (C3): Your occupation is on the Shortage Occupation List.

  • Diversity (C4): Points are awarded if your nationality is underrepresented in your employer's company.

  • Bonus Criteria (B1 & B2): You can earn bonus points if your company is a participant in a government-supported program or if your skills are in a specific area of demand.

    
    

• Application Process: The application must be submitted by your employer or an appointed employment agent via the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) online portal. The process typically takes about three weeks for a complete and straightforward application, but can take longer for more complex cases.

  
  

• For Hong Kong and Malaysian Citizens: Citizens of Hong Kong and Malaysia are not exempted from the standard EP requirements. They must meet the same salary, qualifications, and COMPASS criteria as other foreign applicants.

Hong Kong Employment Visa

Hong Kong's employment visa, primarily issued under the General Employment Policy (GEP), focuses on attracting skilled professionals who can contribute to the local economy. Unlike Singapore's points-based system, the Hong Kong Immigration Department assesses applications on a case-by-case basis.

• Eligibility: The primary requirement is a confirmed job offer from a legitimate Hong Kong employer. The position must be one that cannot be readily filled by the local workforce. Applicants must possess a good educational background, such as a university degree, or proven technical skills and experience. The salary and benefits offered must also be comparable to the local market rate.

  
  

• Application Process: The application is submitted to the Immigration Department of Hong Kong. While the employer sponsors the visa, the employee is responsible for providing their personal documents. The process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to complete.

  
  

• Additional Schemes: Hong Kong also has several other schemes to attract talent, such as the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), which is a points-based system that allows highly skilled individuals to apply without a prior job offer. The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) also targets high-income earners and graduates from top universities.

  
  

Malaysia Employment Pass

The Malaysia Employment Pass (EP) is for foreign professionals working in a Malaysian company in a managerial, technical, or executive capacity. The application is a multi-step, employer-driven process.

• Eligibility: To be eligible, you must have a job offer with a Malaysian company and meet the minimum monthly salary requirements, which vary by category. There are three categories of the Employment Pass, each with a different minimum salary threshold and duration. For example, Category I requires a minimum monthly salary of RM10,000. You must also possess the proper educational qualifications and relevant work experience for the position.

  
  

• Application Process: The application process is initiated by the employer. First, the employer must get approval for the "expatriate post" from the relevant government authority, such as the Expatriate Committee or other sector-specific agencies (e.g., MDEC for tech roles). Once the post is approved, the employer can apply for the Employment Pass on the employee's behalf. The processing time can vary from 2 to 8 weeks.

  
  

• Key Differences: A crucial point for the Malaysian EP is that the employer must obtain a quota approval to hire a foreign worker before submitting the application. The visa is also tied to the specific employer, and any change in employment requires a new application.

  
  

How Bestar can Help

Navigating the complexities of employment visas in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia can be a daunting task for businesses and individuals alike. Each jurisdiction has its own set of rules, documentation requirements, and application procedures. This is where a professional corporate services provider like Bestar can provide invaluable assistance, streamlining the process and increasing the chances of a successful outcome.

How Bestar Helps with Singapore Employment Pass (EP)

Singapore's Employment Pass (EP) is subject to stringent criteria, including the new Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). Bestar's expertise lies in navigating this intricate system on your behalf.

• Strategic Advisory: Bestar's team of consultants understands the nuances of the COMPASS system. We can assess your or your candidate's profile against the salary, qualifications, skills, and diversity criteria to provide a realistic evaluation of the chances of success. They offer strategic advice on how to improve your score, if necessary, before the application is even submitted.

  
  

• Documentation and Preparation: The application for a Singapore EP requires a comprehensive set of documents, including a detailed resume, educational certificates, and a clear description of the job role. Bestar assists in compiling and organizing all necessary paperwork, ensuring everything is in order to avoid delays or rejections.

  
  

• Seamless Application and Liaison: Bestar's services include handling the entire application process through the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) online portal. They act as the liaison between your company and the authorities, responding to any queries and ensuring the process moves as smoothly as possible.

  
  

• Post-Approval Support: Once the In-Principle Approval (IPA) is granted, Bestar continues to assist with the final steps, such as arranging for the collection of the physical Employment Pass card.

How Bestar Helps with Hong Kong Employment Visa

Hong Kong's General Employment Policy (GEP) application is less about a points system and more about a case-by-case assessment. Bestar focuses on building a compelling application that demonstrates the value of the foreign professional to Hong Kong's economy.

• Job Offer and Local Market Justification: A key requirement in Hong Kong is proving that the position cannot be easily filled by the local workforce. Bestar works with the employer to craft a persuasive justification, highlighting the candidate's unique skills and expertise that are in short supply locally.

  
  

• End-to-End Application Management: Bestar provides an "end-to-end" solution for visa applications. This includes preparing all required documents, such as the application forms, passport copies, and academic certificates, and submitting them to the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

  
  

• Expert Guidance: Our consultants offer expert guidance on the latest immigration regulations and policies, ensuring that your application is fully compliant and addresses all the necessary requirements of the GEP.

How Bestar Helps with Malaysia Employment Pass

The Malaysian Employment Pass application is a multi-stage process that requires careful coordination with various government bodies. Bestar’s services are designed to manage this complexity.

• ESD Registration and Quota Approval: Before an Employment Pass application can be submitted, the Malaysian company must be registered with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) and secure approval for the expatriate post. Bestar assists with this critical first step, helping companies navigate the requirements for ESD registration and obtaining the necessary quota.

  
  

• Comprehensive Application Handling: Once the quota is secured, Bestar handles the entire application for the Employment Pass. This includes preparing all required documentation, such as the offer letter, employment contract, and academic qualifications, and submitting the application through the online system.

  
  

• Liaison with Authorities: Bestar acts as a single point of contact, communicating with the ESD and other relevant agencies to track the application status and respond to any requests for additional information, significantly reducing the administrative burden on the employer.

A Holistic Approach to Corporate Services

Beyond visa applications, Bestar's value proposition is its ability to offer a comprehensive suite of corporate services. This integrated approach is particularly beneficial for companies expanding into Singapore, Hong Kong, or Malaysia for the first time. Bestar can also assist with:

• Company Incorporation and Registration

• Corporate Secretarial Services

• Payroll and HR Consulting

• Tax Advisory and Compliance

By providing these services under one roof, Bestar ensures a seamless and efficient process for companies looking to establish a presence and hire international talent in these key Asian markets. Our expertise minimizes the risk of errors, saves valuable time, and allows businesses to focus on their core operations while ensuring full compliance with local regulations.

Request for Proposal