Singapore is very proactive at encouraging foreign workers to move there. The Careers Group regularly engages with Contact Singapore to highlight opportunities over there. According to the WorkSingapore site:
“Whether you are a Singaporean currently working abroad or a foreigner who has never been to Singapore, you will be amazed by the rapid progress and growth potential there. Recognising the need to balance work and play, the government has taken efforts to transform the island state into a dynamic and modern city. Believe it or not, the nightlife scene in Singapore frequently tops global polls, while qualities that have propelled Singapore to where it is today remain, such as a safe, clean environment and a multi-racial population that lives in harmony.
There is good news if you’re thinking of working in Singapore. Salaries in Singapore are expected to increase by an average of 5% in 2008, slightly higher than 2007’s average of 4.5%, according to a survey of nearly 200 companies by the Singapore Human Resources Institute. Besides the average 5% increase in basic wages, variable bonuses are expected to remain similar to 2007 at an average of 2.1 to 2.6 months. 95% of the companies involved in the study have increased wages this year.
Apart from increment in wages, unemployment also fell, as employers turn to foreigners for six in ten jobs, up from five in ten the previous year. There were over 900,000 foreigners, who fill everything from construction jobs to white collar and service work, accounting for a third of the 2.73 million people employed, enabling the economy to grow beyond the limits of Singapore’s indigenous workforce.
Singapore has a competitive and friendly environment for foreigners who would like to work here. Singapore is ranked 1st for having the best labour force (BERI Labour Force Ranking 2005-2007) and 2nd for the most attractive environment for highly-skilled foreigners (IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2005). Some of the reasons that attract foreigners to come to Singapore for work include open recruitment policies, low personal taxations and a high standard of living, coupled with an English- speaking environment.”
The WorkSingapore site is well worth investigating – it has a wealth of information including an overview of what life is like in Singapore, how to find jobs, practical information and of course lots of lovely glossy pictures!
