EP expiring

1POSTS

3 years ago

Hi there,

My Employment Pass (EP) expires in the next 3 weeks. Will a Short Term Visit Pass (STVP) be issued automatically or does there need to be an application?

Reason I'm confused is because online research suggests STVP its automatic, however my colleague (whose EP expired about a month ago) was fined (along with his wife) when they attended the MOM to collect their EP (following renewal) because they had not left the country after it expired.

This means the STVP cannot have been automatically issued otherwise there would not have been a fine?

My plan is to book a cheap return flight to KL (departing on the day it expires and returning the day after) so that I have the STVP and avoid any fine. I've found a cheap flight on Malaysian Airlines that arrives back in Singapore after midnight, so that I have the full 30 days.

Will there be any issues getting back into the country with an expired EP or does it not matter if you are able to enter on STVP? Is there any other option apart from this - I've seen you can do an online application to the ICA but that only seems to relate to applications for extensions to STVP not the initial granting of one (which leads me to presume the only way to get one is via a checkpoint?)

Really grateful for any guidance (my Singaporean company doesn't seem to know how it works) thanks in advance

See also

Expat deaths in Singapore - Guide
I am EP, my passport is expiring - 7 Replies
In a big fix after EP rejection & STVP expiring - 5 Replies
EP pending - 2 Replies
Can EP holder return to Singapore with passport expiring in 6 months - 2 Replies
STVP expiring soon and waiting for new EP approval - 8 Replies
STVP expiring, EP application pending for 4 weeks - 15 Replies

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

15647POSTS

3 years ago

Normally, the STVP is automatically issued at EP cancellation. Ask your employer to make sure it is!

You should NEVER leave the country and return shorty afterwards to get a renewed visa. This is NOT how it works in Singapore - you are likely to be denied entry when you return. (And even if not, you will receive only a few days visa to pack your things and leave.)

Instead, approach MoM (or ICA if applcable) to get an STVP issued before the EP is cancelled or expires!

I believe in me Member

19POSTS

2 years ago

@beppi Hi beppi, can I check if it is okay to leave Singapore and come back with STVP. Or it’s not possible to come back with STVP and one should wait to come back on an IPA when EP has been approved? Thanks in advanced

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

15647POSTS

2 years ago

@I believe in me You need to have a valid IPA at the time of work pass issuance.

If you used the IPA to enter Singapore and then exit without having the work pass issued, the IPA becomes invalid.

snitasp Member

2POSTS

2 years ago

@beppi

Hi Beppi, I have a question around this topic.

My EP has been cancelled and I have a STVP. However I have a holiday booked and so I need to leave Singapore and invalidate my STVP, even though it will not have expired.

I’m planning to come back to SG on a normal tourist visa for a week to pack up my things and leave.

Do you think I will be granted entry on a tourist visa when I return?

Thanks,

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

15647POSTS

2 years ago

@snitasp They might ask questions, but if you explain that you return only for a week to collect your private items, I guess you will get the visit visa.

2 members reacted to this post