Is Getting PR In Singapore Difficult?

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The status of permeant resident is highly coveted by working professionals in Singapore. This is due to the many advantages granted to PRs as well as the benefits of living longer term in the country. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the department of Statistics Singapore, there were 522,347 Singapore PR holders in 2018. 

The Advantages of Becoming a Singapore Permeant Resident  

You should consider applying to become a Singapore PR to attain the following benefits:

  • You can live in, enter and leave Singapore without the requirement of separate travel and work visas.
  • You could apply for PR for both your spouse and any children that you have under the age of 21
  • You can apply for long stay visas for your parents
  • You are free to change jobs without having to re-apply for a new work permit
  • You enjoy Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions from your employer
  • You get higher priority for various loans
  • You will be eligible to apply for citizenship once you have stayed in Singapore for a number of years

Why the Singapore PR Application Process Is Becoming Increasingly Difficult

In the past, the process for PR application in Singapore was relatively straightforward. The nation being one that was built by immigrants and which is multi-racial was a safe haven for foreigners. Moreover, due to low birth rates, the government had openly courted foreign professionals to take up residence in Singapore. This was done with the hope of both helping with maintaining birth rates and contributing to the economy. 

However, revisions of the PR application process were introduced following the 2011 General Election in Singapore. During the election, Singaporeans voiced concerns of the rising cost of living, job competition and lost of culture. These concerns were partially attributed to the continual influx of foreigners. 

In order to strike a balance between the economy’s needs and social concerns, the government introduced more stringent criteria for PR applications.

What has Changed Since 2011?

Reflecting the concerns of the people, new factors were introduced into the PR application process. Beyond just having a good educational background and employment history, applicants were now required to demonstrate that they had both assimilated into society and had contributed to its wellbeing. This significantly raised the bar for applicants as career and education could no longer be solely counted on to secure a PR application. 

To meet the new bar, applicants are required to write about their daily activities and interactions with Singaporeans. Furthermore, they should be playing an active role in charitable cause, contributing to society. This meant that each individual had to spend more time working on their application and integrating into society. 

Why Engage a PR Application Agency

A majority of all rejected PR applications occur due to mistakes in the application process or an inability to express the attributes required. One way to circumvent these issues would be to apply PR Singapore with a reputable PR application agency.