“Movement of Natural Persons. This aspect is regarding the liberalization of Mode 4 (the admission of foreign persons and nationals to another country to provide services there), to encourage free movement of
professionals, businessmen and workers across borders. Temporary labor mobility has been given a boost through CECA, even beyond WTO recommendations under GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services):Singapore has eased visa restrictions for a list of 127 professionals, covering a broad range of sectors. These professionals have been allowed entry and stay for up to 1 year. This is complemented by the MRAs for professionals that need to be worked out.Business Visitors can get temporary visa for engaging in business-related activities for up to 2 months, with provision for a further 1 month extension.Short term Service Suppliers can get entry for up to 90 days to provide a specific service, with provision for a further 90 day extension.Intra corporate transferees (personnel from businesses operating in both countries) can apply for a visa with validity period up to 2 years, with provision for extensions of up to 3 years at one time for a total term not exceeding 8 years.The countries have also committed to simplification of procedures and expedited grant of visas. CECA’s chapter on Movement of Natural Persons is a symbol of how it has gone beyond regular trade agreements by promoting cooperation in areas of international economic relations.”
Unlimited “Intra corporate transferees”?
As to “Intra corporate transferees (personnel from businesses operating in both countries) can apply for a visa with validity period up to 2 years, with provision for extensions of up to 3 years at one time for a total term not exceeding 8 years”, are these subject to the foreign worker Dependency Ratio Ceilings (DRC), S-pass ratio, etc?
In light of the above provisions, how can we effectively implement our recently introduced more stringent qualifications, experience and salary requirements for the issuance of foreign worker passes in Singapore?
Impact on Singaporeans?
Given the implications of the India‐Singapore CECA on jobs and salaries of Singaporeans, how much was debated in Parliament on the impact of this and other Free-Trade Agreements (FTAs) that Singapore has signed with other countries?
