Mahbuba's Journey: A Tale of Training and Reskilling
In Singapore, Mahbuba, a Bangladeshi national who moved to the city-state in 1994, found herself facing an uncertain future when the pandemic struck and severely impacted the airline and travel industry. Mahbuba, who had previously worked at Changi Airport, was among the many affected by the pandemic, facing the possibility of having to leave Singapore due to her unemployment.
However, Mahbuba approached our Singapore for help, and her perseverance paid off. Our company offered her a new role as a full-time recruiter, a career change that has significantly improved her living status.
Mahbuba's new role within our company has provided her with a stable income, enabling her to remain in Singapore long-term. Her new position also allows her to help others in similar situations, offering a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
The pandemic has brought about changes in the job market, with stricter work visa renewal criteria and rising minimum salary thresholds. For instance, the Employment Pass now requires a minimum monthly salary starting at S$5,600, increasing progressively with age from January 2025. The S Pass minimum salary will also rise to S$3,300 from September 2025.
While these changes may pose challenges for unemployed foreign workers seeking visa renewals, there are other options available. For foreign students, post-study work visas have been extended to two years, allowing more time to seek employment. Additionally, foreign workers returning to Singapore within two years after the cancellation of their last work pass must attend a shortened Onboard programme and meet health screening requirements, including COVID-19 vaccination.
While direct government support for unemployed foreign workers for job search during the pandemic is not prominently featured in current resources, employers and HR consultancies in Singapore are adapting their recruitment strategies in this evolving landscape.
For those seeking to extend their stay or find new employment, it is essential to consult the Ministry of Manpower’s latest guidelines on visa eligibility and consider professional recruitment services aware of the evolving regulations. Mahbuba's story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of foreign workers in Singapore, and a reminder that opportunities for growth and success can be found even in challenging times.
Mahbuba's focus on education-and-self-development and personal-growth led to a significant shift in her career, as she seized her chance to learn new skills and secure a new role as a full-time recruiter at our company. In the face of the pandemic's impact on Singapore's job market and stricter work visa renewal criteria, Mahbuba's story highlights the importance of learning and embracing opportunities that foster personal growth, leading to a stable income and a sense of purpose.
