How have FTAs impacted Singapore?
Between 2005 (since CECA was signed) to now, the number of higher skilled jobs has risen by 400,000.
The proportion of Singaporeans in these jobs increased from 50% to 56.8%.
The number of Singapore residents in PMET jobs rose from 825,000 to 1,250,000.
Does CECA allow anyone from India to simply come here and work?
Indian nationals must be employed for at least 6 months in their company before they can come here, and they cannot stay beyond 8 years.
According to gov.sg,
Foreign nationals, including ICTs, have to meet the work pass qualifying criteria before they are allowed to work in Singapore.
The Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) also applies to all firms in Singapore, whether they employ locals or foreigners. The FCF details requirements, including advertising in the national Jobs Bank and scrutiny for companies with suspect hiring practices.
The FCF sets out the Government’s expectations for all firms in Singapore to have fair employment practices.
All firms should adhere to the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices and have fair employment practices that are open, merit-based and non-discriminatory.
Under the FCF, firms are also required to advertise job vacancies on the national Jobs Bank before submitting Employment Pass applications. This is to ensure that employers reach out to a larger pool of candidates as part of a fair hiring process.
Firms suspected to have engaged in discriminatory hiring practices will have their Employment Pass applications subjected to additional scrutiny by the Ministry of Manpower and could have their work pass privileges curtailed.
Featured photo: gov.sg
