Singapore To Introduce New Visa to Draw Top Global Tech Talent (bloomberg.com) 24
Singapore is rolling out the red carpet for top talent, launching a program to initially attract 500 individuals with a proven track record of contributing to the global technology ecosystem. From a report: Under the so-called Tech.Pass program, qualified individuals will be able to secure a new type of visa allowing them to start and operate more than one company and become an investor, consultant or mentor for local startups, according to the Economic Development Board. This offers more flexibility than current government regulations, which require companies to sponsor an employment pass for talent they want to bring in. The two-year visa isn't designed for mid-tier tech workers who might compete with locals for jobs, a political issue that has prompted the government to tighten its framework for issuing employment passes to foreigners this year. It's targeted at highly accomplished entrepreneurs and technical experts who can bring in capital, networks and knowhow, as Singapore aims to become the region's technology and innovation hub.
Re: (Score:2)
now they do not have to fly as far from india for their job.
looks like a win win win to me
Meh (Score:4, Funny)
Re: (Score:3)
Then don't walk on a lawn.
Singapore is beautiful, amazing culture, amazing food, amazing nightlife. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
Re: Meh (Score:2)
Re: (Score:1)
Awful, actually. There's nothing to do in Singapore.
If you're not working, you might as well be working, because unless your hobby is shoppin
Re: (Score:2)
As someone who is often at Singapore :
Foreigners can rent private or the subsidised apartments. Or even buy there own private apartment. Landed property is available as well. Although anyone can rent them, if buying them, I think foreigners can only buy those landed houses in Sentosa island (sort of a resort island).
As for censorship, they block 100 websites if I recall (mostly porn related, although some are similar to chick.com). It's more a token to show that the government is "upholding morals. You may
Re: (Score:1)
How about this "operate more than one company and become an investor, consultant or mentor for local startups", so not for tech people at all, but the slimey bean counters and con artists who steal other people's idea and claim them as their own. They do not care about technical skills, knowledge or creativity. Just scummy con artists running on other people's ideas, the money handlers. You know the arseholes who want government money but do not want to pay any tax, who think labour laws are abhorrent and w
Re: (Score:3)
Re:Meh (Score:5, Insightful)
Why bother with getting caned for it when you can get shot in the US?
New Visa? (Score:3)
$240,000 per year income minimum?!? Where ?! (Score:2)
"In order to be eligible for Singapore's Tech.Pass visa, candidates must meet two of the three criteria: a last drawn monthly salary of at least $20,000 in the past year"
Does anyone know anyone who makes $240,000 being a software developer? Can anyone get me one of those jobs?
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Its over 180k USD. But I bet the cost of living in Singapore is more than even New York City, and I don't think I would work in New York for 180k... much less half way across the world.
But I rather like living in house with a yard in the suburbs, so I don't think I have any interest in living in an apartment in a super-dense city anyhow.
Re: (Score:3)
For Singaporeans that don't drive, the cost of living is about like Seattle. For any expat it is about 1.5 times New York.
Just Bring Money (Score:2)
They're looking for people to start or invest in multiple businesses. And pay lots of taxes on same.
Re: (Score:2)
Why would I want to go to Singapore? (Score:1)
When I can just work from home and be happy.
You are NEVER a citizen in Singapore (Score:2)
In Singapore it is all about race. Chinese, Malay or Indian. If you are none of those you will always be an ex-pat.
We lived in the USA for a while. But it was always on the basis that if things turned out that we wanted to stay indefinitely we could apply for citizenship. Same with most countries, not Singapore.
That is actually an issue. Particularly if you have a family.
Re: (Score:2)
In Singapore it is all about race. Chinese, Malay or Indian. If you are none of those you will always be an ex-pat.
We lived in the USA for a while. But it was always on the basis that if things turned out that we wanted to stay indefinitely we could apply for citizenship. Same with most countries, not Singapore.
That is actually an issue. Particularly if you have a family.
If you can negotiate $20K/month+ USD to qualify for this gig, I'm thinking you better be negotiating passport(s) in your contract too.
We'll see which party bends and gives regarding citzenship/dual-citizenship on some of the most desirable candidates. Everyone has to think for themselves at this level.
Whle in the US... (Score:1)
Meanwhile, in the US, Biden will be introducing a new visa to encourage Latin American peasants to immigrate to the US, thus strengthening the US's lawn maintenance and cleaning sectors.