A Singapore Airlines aircraft taxis on the runway of Changi International Airport in Singapore. Looking for a job in the aviation industry? Singapore may just have one for those interested. File/Tim Chong, Reuters
Philippine ambassador to Singapore Antonio Morales said more job opportunities are opening up these days for Filipino professionals.
Morales said there are openings in the aviation industry, such as aircraft mechanics and automotive. Nurses and caregivers are needed, too, given the aging population in Singapore. There are jobs in tourism as well.
That is besides Singapore’s consistent demand for Filipino domestic or household workers, Morales added.
Although he doesn’t have the actual number of available jobs, Morales said the posts are “in thousands.” In the aviation industry, for instance, there are approximately 6,000 vacancies.
Labor demand in engineering and the oil and gas sector such as pipe fitters and welders has been reduced because of the oil crisis.
Singapore is now host to around 180,000 OFWs, 60% of which hold different professional jobs such as accountants and office workers while 40% are domestic workers.
For those interested to apply, Morales said it is best to do so through agencies accredited by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, as “direct hiring” will not be able to provide them ample protection from the Philippine government should a problem arise in Singapore.
There are currently about 20 Filipinos in jail in Singapore, according to Morales. Cases vary from drug possession, breach of contract, acts of lasciviousness, among others.
Just recently, a Filipino was sentenced to 25 years in prison for smuggling of illegal drugs.
“Luckily, as of today, we do not have a kababayan facing a possible death sentence here,” he said.
Yearly, the Philippine embassy records 280 to 300 Filipinos denouncing their citizenship in favor of Singapore.
Naturalization or migration is being offered by Singapore, but Morales said a strict evaluation process is being followed, with steps and requirements connected to it stated through the government website.