1048. Myanmar stories - Looking for jobs in Singapore

Smaller employment agents are facing a difficult time now that the Singapore Governnment has clamped down on the approval of work passes for foreign workers by increasing the quotas, the fees and salaries for "S" pass holders. Employment Pass holders are exempted from the quotas but their salaries must be over $4,500/month to be approved. 

Yet many Singaporeans who are mostly well educated shun the long hours and working on Sundays. Food and beverage positions as the hours are long, starting at 10 pm - 3 pm with a rest of 3 pm - 6 pm and starting again from 6 pm to 10 pm. The usual pay is around $1,500-$2,000/month. Work-life balance seems to be inside the Singaporean's mindset. So, 9-5 job and 5 days a week and no public holiday work.

There is a limit to using automation and IT. So, many restaurants are left under-staffed and some have to close down.  Rentals have gone up and even the authority has increased the electronic road toll to $6.00. So, it is tough for the young Singaporeans with average educational qualifications to find a good employer and a good job.  Food and beverage industry is not considered a good job and so many young Singaporeans avoid working in this industry. Myanmar nationals who come here looking for jobs are hungry and don't pick and choose. But they are now having great difficulty in getting the jobs. I expect many restaurant owners to be losing money as they can't open the long hours or find sufficient locals. In the next few years, Myanmar will be booming and their educated workers in the Middle East and Singapore will not need to look for jobs in Singapore.