Li Bihui
It seems to be only fair that if two people are doing the same kind of work in the same institution, that they should be receive equal remuneration. Yet it is common in Singapore for employers to offer housing allowances only to foreign employees. It is also common that moving allowances for new employees returning from overseas are offered only if the new employees are non-Singaporeans. These discriminatory provisions in effect pay foreigners more than Singaporeans even if both hold jobs of the same rank. An internet search uncovers the following recruitment ads that explicitly state that foreign employees are eligible for housing or moving allowances or subsidies without mentioning similar allowances for Singaporeans.
At the Asia Research Institute:
“A monthly housing allowance for expatriate staff who do not own properties in Singapore to subsidise the cost of property rental in Singapore.”
In addition to this discriminatory provision:
“Travel assistance will be provided for non-Singaporeans who are recruited from overseas. Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents who are returning home from abroad will be provided with travel assistance if they have been residing overseas for more than three years.”
In other words, if you are a Singapore citizen or PR who has been residing overseas for two years, you will get no financial assistance whatsoever to move back to work at ARI. If you are a foreigner, you get financial assistance no matter how long you have been overseas.
Similarly, the National University of Singapore mentions:
“For expatriate staff, a housing allowance may also be payable.”
Likewise, the Institute for High Performance Computing:
“For expatriate staff, the following benefits are available: Housing allowances, Education allowances, Relocation allowances.”
At the Nanyang Technological University:
“International faculty will also enjoy subsidized housing in a 500-acre residential campus environment, on-campus childcare centre, and children’s educational allowances for Singapore’s acclaimed international schools.”
Correspondingly, at the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering:
“For expatriate staff, IMRE also provides other benefits including housing allowance, settling-in allowance, passage assistance, etc.”
Again, note that even the passage assistance and settling-in allowance seem to be explicitly available only for expatriates. Returning Singaporeans are not mentioned.
Another case is shown at the Institute of Microelectronics:
“For expatriate staff, IME also provides other benefits including housing allowance, settling-in allowance, passage assistance, etc.”
Interestingly, the wording is exactly the same as that for IMRE. Is this perhaps an A*Star-wide policy?
Lastly, at the Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology:
“A competitive gross starting salary is offered plus a housing subsidy for expatriates.”
These are merely the instances I have been able to find online where the policy is explicitly stated, so it underestimates the actual number of cases of such discrimination.
It should be obvious why moving allowances should be given, if at all, to all employees moving from overseas. It should not make a difference how long the employee has been living overseas — an air ticket costs the same whether the employee has been overseas for one year or three years! Neither should the employee’s citizenship make a difference — a Singaporean living overseas is going to incur the same moving costs as a foreigner living overseas.
The housing issue is trickier. Some argue that locals should not be given a housing allowance as they are eligible for HDB subsidies, which are out-of-bounds to foreigners. This is a bad argument.
Firstly, the rationale behind the HDB subsidy is that it is a privilege reserved for Singaporeans — after all, the money for the subsidy comes from the tax revenues of the Singapore government. If foreigners are to be compensated for not having this privilege, then it is not clear how the subsidy remains a privilege of citizenship. If anything, many locals, such as those who are not interested in buying public housing, would rather have the housing allowance than the HDB subsidy.
Secondly, the inequitable dishing out of housing allowances is unfair to those who cannot or do not want to buy HDB flats. Most people cannot afford to buy a HDB flat when they first start working. This means that until they have enough savings to buy a HDB flat, they have to pay fully for their own housing, while foreigners in similar positions get a free ride all the way.
In response to this, some argue that locals could just stay with their parents. But this does not resolve the issue of inequity. With the housing allowance, foreigners are free to rent a room for themselves in a desirable neighborhood close to work, while locals whose parents stay far away from the workplace are forced into a long daily commute and, if their childhood home is small, sometimes even forced to share rooms with other family members.
It is not at all equal treatment to in effect tell locals that they must either 1) rent a place at their own expense or 2) stay in a crowded, often faraway family home, while subsidising foreigners for housing in more desirable locations. In addition, locals who are single are not eligible for the subsidy for new flats, so once again they are restricted to either paying rent out of their own pockets or living with their parents.
Meanwhile, single foreigners have their rent subsidized. The argument from HDB subsidies would be good if it was in fact the case that Singaporeans can and want to buy HDB flats from the day they start work, or before they start work. But it is almost never the case that they can do so, even if they want to. There are plenty of Singaporeans who would prefer to rent rather than buy a HDB flat, but their rent goes unsubsidized while foreigners’ rent is.
The unfairness aside, these discriminatory policies cause needless bitterness and resentment among Singaporean workers. It is doubtful whether the resentment created, and the consequent lowered productivity, is really worth the savings to the employers of underpaying their Singaporean workers relative to their foreign workers.
HELP keep the voice of TOC alive!
If you like this article, please consider a small donation to help theonlinecitizen.com stay alive. Please note that we can only accept donations from Singaporeans. Thank you for your assistance.Do you have a flair for writing? Volunteer with us. Email us your full name and contact details to theonlinecitizen@gmail.com
It is actually much worse.
Often locals don’t get hired, but foreigners with similar/lower qualifications do.
E.g. Local grads find it hard to survive on $2,000. Foreigners can accept this pay. It is enough for them when they remit home.
Conclusion? Unemployed in your own country loh!
My local friend works in a local firm. He got an degree from a reputable US uni.
YET, he got paid lower than his foreigner colleagues (even those from Myanmar) who entered later than him! When the company ran into financial woes, he was the first to be laid off!
Good article Li Bihui.
These practises are silly. I hope the relevant HR departments wake up to such foolishness.
Perhaps Singapore should start running ethical courses from top down.
WDA should seriously look into it.
Great timely article!
If you browse through A-Star Post-Doc recruitment page, they offer Return air passage, Relocation and shipping allowance, Transit accommodation, Assistance with Settling-in. These are clearly spelled out for overseas candidates.
I wonder how local potential candidate can enjoy this kind of benefits?
Do local candidate enjoy extra salary per month if they do not get one-off re-location benefits like their overseas colleague.
3rdKlassCitizam
We are a sick nation!
## 4) blackfeline on October 19th, 2009 10.59 pm
“We are a sick nation!”
=========
It’s b’cos we have a sick Government.
Hope it’s terminal, where they are concerned..
This is why some Singaporeans migrate , even to countries with known discriminatory practices against foreigners, because they rather be a second class citizen in another country than a second class citizen in their own country. They probably feel more balanced this way.
Its not a matter of balanced. Its just the normal Singapore Bosses who wants to earn money. Everyone lets face it, if you are a Singaporean and you owe a company, which employee would you take if you are filling up a vacancy and the foreigner is asking for a lower pay? Mr Bitter Singaporean, what would you think? And if you are going to lay off someone, are u going to lay off someone with the lower pay? And assuming that both the employees that you are thinking of gets the same pay at the end, who will you lay off first? A foreigner who depends on you for every important single paycheck? Or the Singaporean who depends on you for every important single paycheck that you need to contribute CPF for?
Though I got to admit that it kinda stinks when the foreigner gets free company subsidy. Are those advertisements sent overseas? Doesn’t it kinda make awkward sense if the foreigner is already in Singapore and the company is paying for reallocation expenses. Are you sure about that? Any HR officer here who can comment?
I wonder? If the company pays for their reallocation expense when they come to Singapore, how much does the company pay? and what about the reallocation expenses BACK to their country when their contract is up?
Since all the examples given are the institutions,it would be more appropriate to title it as Institutions discriminate against their own instead of using the word Singapore employers.Whether these institutions are good at mathematics or not,they are not paying from their own pocket and thus have a different thinking from most employers and I dun see why must our Singapore employers be brought into the picture.
Part of the problem really is an institutionalized inferiority complex which justifies the unequal treatment(to attract and retain ‘talent’ so they say), and fetish for US/Europe-trained ‘foreign talents’ based on some US/European standards of talent-recognition.
# 1Bitter S’porean.
If an employer employs a local grad at $2000, his cost is $2260.
But for the grad he only sees 1600. A difference of 30% . And if I were him or her, I’d be unhappy. Not interested in retirement etc. I got to survive NOW.
When an employer pays a FT $1900, that is what he pays and what employee gets. Both are happy.
The incentives are skewed and this is one area where the govmin messed up big time. It is trying to do something via that employment scheme but it is only bandage.
Something has to give but this means govmin saying it got things wrong.
We cant never count on the government, as they always have a reason or excuse for anything, they are always right.
Greed has gotten into our heads, we forget about helping each other when the needs arise. Singaporeans were made very selfish, and if Singaporeans dont hire Singaporeans first, our demise is self made, gradual and eventual.
Simply stated, the PAP looked down upon Singaporean, believing Singaporean cannot do anything because Singaporean are kiasi, and kiasu.
There is why ABSOLUTE POWER ALWAYS CORRUPTS. Human are by nature Greedy.
There is why there is such a term called democracy.
Now Singapore has move backward, towards the older US regime,(in the 19th century?) before the democracy movement started. How sad.
OMG…this article has so missed the point. These companies are not recruiting for a $2000 dollar a month fresh graduate. These positions are for those with advanced degrees, years of experience and skills that don’t exist within the local employment group. The average FT that you are complaining about is not eligible for expatriate benefits inc housing and schooling. Do you seriously think a company would pay upwards of 3K a month for an overpriced apartment managed by a greedy landlord, then pay upwards of 20K a year for an International School for the expats kids…then only pay 2K a month??? We are talking the highly skilled jobs here, not the average FT.
And before you go too far and cry discrimination remember that if a Singaporean chooses to take a job overseas as an expatriate then they too will expect such benefits…it’s just one of the expectations for companies to attract leadership and skill-sets that are not present in the local community. Not to mention that it is part of the price for being a developed country in a global market that expects to attract and retain foreign investment.
## 7) Ho Wei Pin on October 20th, 2009 12.14 am
“who will you lay off first? A foreigner who depends on you for every important single paycheck? Or the Singaporean who depends on you for every important single paycheck that you need to contribute CPF for?”
=============
Do you always dress in White like your heroes, and live by their examples ??
It dosen’t matter to you that the Singaporean works harder or better or smarter or will die for this country…
It dosen’t matter to you that the Singaporean has a family to support, children to feed, bills to settle, mortgage to pay and will die for this country…
It dosen’t matter to you that the Singaporen has given his youth to NS, protects you in time of war, is law-abiding, contributed to society and will die for this country…
The poor foreigner has a family to feed and to send his paycheck to in
the Philippines, Bangladesh, India, China, Myamma, Timbaktoo…
It just breaks your heart for these poor foreigners, dosen’t it ??
You must be proud of yourself..
… as you as are following the example set by your beloved PAP Government.
Could this be an exploitation of Job Credit Scheme where the credit that employers received, from local taxpayers monies, are used to fund such excessive foreigner allowances instead of retaining local employee?
We have the ability to change this situation.
We have the power to make our lives better.
Vote for the opposition. Kick out our oppressors.
These can be no compromise. We must put every single opposition member in parliament.
If not the future will be very bleak for your children and your children’s children.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_444281.html
The PAPies are telling us that they will be bringing in more foreigners to suppress our wages.
If we don’t act now to vote in the opposition, we won’t get another chance.
The choice is yours, The PAPies can say all they want, but we have the vote.
Use it wisely.
Discrimination against locals is very widespread. 15 yrs ago, I had to go for almost 30 days of ICT plus another 10 days for local army exercise (which was not counted as part of 40 days call up). My employer, a local bank appraised me very badly for my work performance. My NS obligations continued for another couple of years on the same intensity, with overseas training thrown in, for which I was totally cut off from work and family. Was it my fault? If I am an employer, will I hire a S’porean? Go figure it out.
mmmm:
OMG…this article has so missed the point.
No, you are missing the point. The point is that such policies make it such that even highly qualified Singaporeans who have “advanced degrees, years of experience and skills” will not get the benefits advertised above that expatriates with the same qualifications would get. I know of many cases of Singaporeans with good PhDs who came back to work in research in Singapore, but were offered no moving allowance and get no housing allowance, even though they had been studying or working for years overseas before that. For every one Singaporean who is willing to swallow their pride and take this inferior treatment, there are several more who are deterred from returning.
It is not true that there are not enough talented Singaporeans for such jobs. LKY himself has lamented the loss of much of the cream of our crop. Rather, there is no incentive for talented Singaporeans who have much better situations overseas to come back and be treated like second-class citizens. Wage levels in Singapore, for Singaporeans, really cannot match up to what a highly qualified Singaporean can earn in a first-world country.
Your assumption that there are no talented Singaporeans who deserve the rewards that expatriates get is insulting to the hordes of talented Singaporeans overseas.
they just don’t give a shit of you local breed anymore, what they want is more $$$ for themselves and their cronies, you don’t like then get lost from this island of so-called once pridefully yours, they already have more than enough FT turned citizenships in their pipeline to replace you people. Go think what you people need to do NOW! the situation here is really bad but the MSM is still very into covering up the actual scenerio from the people.
twasher,
You still miss the point. If those Singaporeans were recruited to move overseas they will have contracts that included housing and allowances, including flights home and repatriation if they decide to return to Singapore. Likewise if I return to my home country my contract here will move me home, but no company in my own country is going to pay to move me home to work for them, or offer me allowances once I am there. If I chose to work in my own country I live by one set of rules, if I chose to live as an expat I live by a second set of rules, that’s the reality.
If you as a Singaporean chose to become an expatriate you get the same treatment…are you suggesting that Singaporeans who move overseas for work, or relocate should not get any bonuses or help in relocating?
Every country discriminates against its own people in this regard. Not forgetting we are talking about a very small % of people. Not the average FT who you are threatened by…
…the truth is regardless of your nationality if you return to your own country you will be treated poorer than those deemed expatriates. You just have to deal with it. Or get out of your own country and never return home to live.
Let me ask another question: If the situation is so poor, why do the people swallow their pride to return??
And, do you really believe, and I mean REALLY believe that their can be change in Singapore for what you deem, the better?
This is what I called “Strangers in our own land.”
they will have contracts that included housing and allowances, including flights home and repatriation if they decide to return to Singapore
I have already said that this is not the case. I was/am colleagues with some of these people. The only reason they return is because of familial pressures. Otherwise, they would not have returned. As it is, many of them are unhappy in their work life.
Every country discriminates against its own people in this regard. Not forgetting we are talking about a very small % of people. Not the average FT who you are threatened by…
1) It is NOT true that every country does this. US universities and labs pay everyone the same wage. There is no such thing as a housing allowance for foreigners and not for locals. If there’s a housing allowance, everyone gets it, and if there’s a moving allowance, everyone who has to move gets it.
2) The Singaporeans we are alienating are among the most talented in their respective cohorts and are the people Singapore needs to transition into the creative industries. They may be small in numbers but large in potential economic impact. Singapore is trying to push into research in a big way and it is needless to alienate indigenous ‘talents’ this way.
@mmm
[[Every country discriminates against its own people in this regard. Not forgetting we are talking about a very small % of people. Not the average FT who you are threatened by…
…the truth is regardless of your nationality if you return to your own country you will be treated poorer than those deemed expatriates. You just have to deal with it. Or get out of your own country and never return home to live. ]]]
That is wrong. Most countries take care of their own citizens.
Singapore is probably the only country where its own citizens suffer disadvantages.
@mmm
completely agree. When Singaporeans are hired as expat they will get allowances and the likes. I was hired by GErman company 10 years ago and got exactly that. When my current SG employer hired me, he did not pay for my family to come back as it was my personal decision to come back as my son had to go for his NS!
There are two completely different discussions going on. Why would any citizen get a housing allowance if he works in his own country? Expat packages are supposed to compensate for the relocation. Europeans have mostly free education, which they dont have here for example. Hence the allowance.
Taking care of your own citizens is different from giving them housing allowances.
The major issue here in SG is that some SG employers refuse (yes literally refuse) to even read CV’s from fellow country men. One of my neighbours calls them “drones” and based on that insult he will never hire one of us.
SG are also more expensive with CPF and most will need extra days off for NS.
So instead of finding reasons to complain about a housing allowance, there are many other bridges to cross first.
6) Singaporean
I am an ex Singaporean that emigrated 3 years ago.
I can certainly tell you I am not a second class citizen here in my new homeland. I did however feel that way when I was still in Singapore. In fact, an ex reservist mate of mine that just visited me recently complained that he felt like a 3rd class citizen in Singapore. I asked him why and his reply was that 1st class citizens were all the PAP and elites in Singapore, 2nd class ones were FTs, PRs and new citizens while all Operationally Ready NS men were 3rd class because they had to make the annual sacrifice for the country which the 2nd class ones are exempted from.
I am glad I made the choice to leave.
100% of males at ITE and most neigbourhood schools end up serving NS.
Only 80% of RI and other so-called top-schools serve NS.
WHY?
The other 20% of so-called elite are here for the greatest free ride in the universe—foreigners on tax-payers funded scholarsips –NS free for life effectively bond free.
If they choose to stay—careers in GLCs and in govt will be fast-tracked.
While the locals take the crumbs of whatever jobs that are left while serving their 18-50 NS oblgiations
What are we defending again?
20/10/09
Sad, this happens in our Modern Singapore and time for us to create history and vote in as many Opposition MPs in this coming General Election like our Malaysian brothers over the causeway and if possible deprive the PAP of two third majority and to achieve this we must have a Modern Lee Kuan Yew cum Singapore Anwar Ibrahim who can lead all the Singapore Opposition parties and reach out to all Singaporeans (he must represent us and not solely a certain race perhaps minority which we already have seen in the PAP where they have so many Indians Ministers ie DPM, Minister of Finance, Minister of Law, Ministers of State and MPs which has crossed all lines).
Perhaps, he need not have to come from any of the Singapore Opposition parties who are looking for this someone to lead them, and must not be an Elite which we already have seen too many Elites in the PAPs and also in the Singapore Opposition Parties, perhaps good to be called Elites. He must be just an Ordinary Singaporean and must be Singapore born Chinese who first must be able to reach out to them and then the minorities ie Malays, Indians, Singhs, Eurasians and Jews-which I think we have a few in Singapore (former Israelis turned Singaporeans). He must be also street smart and knowing all the problems being faced by Singaporeans especially local born and hence lead a united Singapore Opposition Parties and give the PAP a run for their monies especially we know that the present PAP MPs have not lived up to the expectation of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew-how long can he be with us and here, we must give him the respect as he has done a good job (Singapore became what she is after he stepped down and Goh Chok Tong took over ie became expansive and flooded with second and third class Foreign Talents).
Further, he must be equal or better than any of the PAP leaders including MPs and must be able to solve all the problems being faced by Modern Singapore and her citizens, and he must maintained what are good for Singapore ie a) Death Penalty for Drugs Traffickers and Murderers, b) Internal Security Act-ISA which must be amended to suit current time and use on both international and local terrorists and c) fine tune laws and public institutions like NS,HDB, CPF, Health and finally offer help to Singaporeans who really need them ie education but health must avoid a Welfare State at all costs (help must be given to Singaporeans who really need financial aids ie in education and health)
Regards
Andrew Chuah
20/10/09
error-should read “education and health” ,not “education but health”
Regards
Andrew Chuah
This is one of the signs of decline and decay, which will lead to the eventual downfall and demise of Singapore as a nation.
Though, after more than 40 years of nation-building, we are only half-way there; yet since LHL took over, things are breaking up.
I think his policy of “economic progress at all costs” will only be beneficial to himself and his kind but will be the destruction of most Singaporeans and eventually Singapore.
To be fair, I don’t see this as a form of discrimination towards singaporeans. From my understanding it is actually a very common practise for any other countries to provide such allowances for expats. There is a huge opportunity cost for somebody to “uproot” themselves from their homeland, leave their friends and family behind to work in a foreign country. Therefore companies that wish to employ expats will need to come out with a package that is attractive enough to lure them, and to “compensate” them for the sacrifices they have to make. It works both ways. So if a singaporean gets hired as an expat in an overseas company, he should also be expecting an attractive package. And considering that a company has to invest so much to hire an expat, it is logical that they will not hire expats unless they really think it is necessary to do so.
Even if a company base locally decides to post their employees overseas, they would generally offer a package that is attractive enough to the employee, which should also cover housing allowances and such. So in my view, this hiring policy is actually a standard practise and it’s in no way a form of discrimination against our own singaporeans.
its because the bullies know even if you are bullied.. you will still listen to them.. and give them all your pocket money…. the victim just has to learn to stand up to the bully.
remember biff?…..
We are indeed 2nd class citizens.
Many, if not all, of our attractions are meant primarily for foreigners. Entrance fees or charges are set so high that most Singaporeans cannot afford to bring their families to these attractions. More than 90 per cent of visitors to these sites are foreigners.
It is tragic being born a Singaporean.
Further to my posting at #10 where I wrote
“If an employer employs a local grad at $2000, his cost is $2260.
But for the grad he only sees 1600. A difference of 30% . And if I were him or her, I’d be unhappy. Not interested in retirement etc. I got to survive NOW.
When an employer pays a FT $1900, that is what he pays and what employee gets. Both are happy.”
Now if a employer wants to pay local grad a take home pay of $1,900 (same as FT), he would have to pay grad $2280 (1900 + 20% (employee CPF). That is not all. Employers total cost is now $2527 (including 13% employer CPF)
No brainer to get FT if he can — 33% cheaper.
The amt locked away in CPF system (for retirement, hsing) has created this distortion. Unintended consequence that must be fixed.
Reform of CPF system is a must. Whether PAP govmin can do this, is a test of their willingness to change. Remember LKY did not want to change rate in 86? recession. Goh Keng Swee insisted.
#36 by me.
Got this wrong
” Employers total cost is now $2527 (including 13% employer CPF)
No brainer to get FT if he can — 33% cheaper. ”
Should read
“Employers total cost is now $2576.40 (including 13% employer CPF)
No brainer to get FT if he can — 26% cheaper.”
@mmm
Let me ask another question: If the situation is so poor, why do the people swallow their pride to return??
A few reasons.
1. Their families are here, and despite the discriminatory monetary payouts, they choose to be with their families.
2. They are bonded scholars. So despite their wants or desires to leave, they are bound by the very commitment to receive less pay for the equal amount of work they engage in.
3. They don’t know how to leave. SGreans need to be spoon-fed, whether they have a Ph.D. or not. It’s the education system and also part of why the system is working despite its flaws. There is no info-session made readily available to Sgreans on how to leave the country. Someone should organize one, or if I am successful in leaving SG in some near future (hopefully), I will, because, I have a feeling it will be very very popular.
#GJ
Ever tot that despite everything, living in S’pore is better than the alternative of remaining abroad for many returnees?
Or they may have no choice.
S’pore is the exception when it comes to FTs — standards to get into US, UK, Oz, NZ, Canada, etc — pretty high. Not like S’pore that want FT to lower wages.
Besides S’pore has one big adv. Get on the asset ladder here, and the world’s your oyster when you retire. Getting there is the difficult bit.
I know alot of people will be offended if I say this. Years ago, when I worked in local SMEs the only foreigners were M’sians. However, those managers were all Spore Uni graduates. What is so appalling was their lack of language skills, incompetency & inefficient ways of working. One of them was not well versed in the English language & even has to go around & approached different secretaries to help him just to write some simple emails. Another one only knows how to organise monthly meetings to show the management that he is working & raised the same old subject every time without providing solutions. One of them play golfs every once to twice a week during weekdays during office hours. Another lady manager go clubbing or karaoke every night & only reports to the office after 1pm. These are just some examples which I personally encountered when I was working for SMEs in Singapore. I am not sure if this is retributions. Not all foreigners may be qualified, but there are also alot of incompetent Singaporean workers out there & if a foreigner is williing to accept a lower pay than them, the employer is bound to choose the latter.
The general attitude towards expats here should be quite obvious by now but I believe that we should always strive to see the bigger picture.
Dear all, have any of you (Singaporeans) worked overseas for an extended period of time, away from family? How were you treated and what perks did you recieve? Or were you treated like any other local employees? Are you graduates? Perhaps with some input we can see if this is a Uniquely Singapore problem.
P.S, I have worked overseas for a MNC, recieved pretty ok perks (close to what was described above, housing, travel, allowences etc but I am sure you guys can understand if no details should be revealed) and did not need to be a graduate to have all that so from what I see maybe this is not all that weird.
Ok your turn.
You can complain if you never vote for PAP. But if you do, don’t complain. Coz…
THAT’S WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU ANYHOW VOTE!!!
(rhythm from Paramore’s song “That’s What You Get”)
I think many of you may have a wrong impression or information.
Relocation benefits in other countries like USA extends even to citizens. The name explains itself, basically because the country is big, so if a potential employee is from another state or city, the new company pays for his expense to relocate to work for the company.
Because of these, foreigner also get the benefits as foreigners have to relocate from their home country to the place of work. Meaning, this was a citizen’s benefits extended to foreigners, not one created for foreigners. And more importantly, this is a ONE TIME benefit. You relocate, you get paid an allowance and that’s it.
However, in Singapore, we never have any relocation benefits per se, due to the size of our country. However, a special benefit is created just for foreigners in terms of rentals. This is regardless of whether the foreign staff came directly from their home country or have already resided in the country. And the benefit they get is rental subsidy, which is an ONGOING benefit, which is a tremendous help.
This is why in other countries, other citizens have equal or better treatment compared to their foreigners but our country our citizens have worse treatment (considering the Singapore males have to do NS)
From the point of view of the employer, foreigners are more attractive to be hired as no need to pay CPF, their women have one less month of maternity leave, can pay them lesser, don’t need to expect them to take leave to attend to NS or family matters.
So think critically before you think there are no discrimination against our own citizens.
no wonder all the ah neh are laughing…they are thei highest number of FT employed in Sg
43) btan on October 21st, 2009 3.44 pm : “but our country our citizens have worse treatment (considering the Singapore males have to do NS)”
I am no fan of the powers that be in Singapore and am by no means a supporter of the many policies repeatedly inflicted upon us citizens but I do take issue with the fact that very often we hear people call national service a disadvantage or some kind of punishment.
Yes many aspects of NS needs to be changed and we can jolly well do with a shorter lenght of service etc but lets face it people, we will always need to defend ourselves no matter what. Why must having to serve put you at such a disadvantage? You learn stuff, keep fit and grow a backbone in many cases. If NS reaped you no rewards whatsoever perhaps you should start learning how to batter take advantage of every circumstance. In short, step up for a change, maybe the problem lies with you.
Anyway what has NS got to do with FTs? I repeat my question, have any of you been an FT before? If you are offered a good job in lets say the USA and IF they have NS like us will you be willing to enlist and do a tour of afganistan? After all you reap so many benefits and earned so many US dollars that could have been paid to a local citizen right? FTs should not even be in the picture. So please, its your duty, its your land, you serve for yourself, your family and your home, not for PAP. No one is screwing you over by asking you to protect your home remember that.
What the heck ??
All you people seem to do is just complain. “Wah Wah Wah…it is so unfair to Singaporeans.”
So what are you whiners going to do about ???
Just sit on your assess at your PCs and type out your grieviances.
Go do something about it…if you dare.
WE the true citizens of Singapore, Should defend our beloved Land from the aliens & the oppressing monsters. WE should stand as one UNITED PEOPLE , WE should fight at any cost, be our live.
I know of a manager who draws $1k every month for 9 years. His employer was his Dad. Nothing stops employers from paying you what they wish to pay you unless law stops it. —> Note, I did not say this is the right thing to do, nor am I implying the law is just or unjust.
While many expats get paid more than locals, there are also many expats (especially fresh PhDs) who are paid lower than what they should get.
If a company grows and does not rewards its staff after a few years, it’s time to ask whether your loyalty should also go. I’ve seen for myself how one “went” after more than 25 years of loyalty (a neighbouring retailer did the guy’s income tax).
Never once did they increased his salary. Imagine – darwing the same salary even after 25 years!! This guy’s employer is our island’s most famous ‘art framing people’. It’s a shame such employers exist! The FRAMING people! The “F” people. lol
People should only choose employers who not only care about profits, but also treat staff like how you’d expect customers to be treated. With fairness and courtesy. Also, never go for employers who do not give a hoot to customers’ SAFETY.
Do not expect govt to change any laws regarding salaries. If you think the pay is unfair, move on and look for other job opportunities. For now, you can only talk about it and blog about it! And let the whole world know!
Allowances should only be allowed if the foreigners in question are not well-off enough. But of course, the same rationale should also apply to Singaporeans.
This is sickening.
National service is no longer a commitment to the defence of Singapore, but rather just another law to abide to.
Employers in ANY country will run amok and implement unfair policies, if not regulated. That is why advanced countries have very strict labour laws and many avenues for redress. There will even be lawyers do will fight a case for you, free, and share the spoils if you win.
If a company in an advanced country wants to hire a foreigner, he must prove that he cannot get a local with the same skill. Even after that, there may still be QUOTA which prevents him from getting foreigners.
It’s funny that when a white expat moves to another advanced country, he is just ‘one of the guys’, taking a standard employment package. Only the top brass get privileges. In sinkapore, an expat leads a very different lifestyle from a local and hardly even interacts with locals.