IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS (Singapore)

You already have everything you need for Singapore trip. Anything you have been missing out? Of course, YOURSELF! And your mission - to pass all the Immigration Officers (IO) in  the Philippines or in Singapore especially if you are not an overseas foreign worker (OFW) or SG Permanent Resident (PR).

We have our reasons why we are going there. You simply want to tour Singapore or you want to try your luck in finding a job there. ME? I chose the latter. But whatever your purpose is, it all boils down for being a tourist.

TOURIST - dress, talk and act like one and do not f orget some doze of CONFIDENCE.

It was my 1st time trip out of the country and I was alone. I had a connecting flight from Iloilo to Cebu to Singapore. Here are some of the questions I encountered from the Immigration Officer in Cebu after I presented my passport plus a form (Sorry, I forgot what form was that. It was almost a year. You should fill that out with your details including employment.)

Me: Hi!
IO: What is your work?
Me: I'm working as a credit analyst with (confidential).

IO: As I remember, your bank is previously Malaya __? (I also forgot the entire name he was referring to.)
Me: (Stunned! - What the ** was he talking about? I'm so sorry but I really don't know the history of my company)
Me: (Smiling) Really, Sir? That sounds familiar but I forgot the exact name. (Smiling again)

IO: Okay, never mind. What will you be doing in Singapore and for how long?
Me: Will just tour Singapore with friends for 14 days.

IO: Can I see your return ticket?
I handed him the printout of my ticket and… Chop-chop-chop!

Whueeew! One down!

Almost three and a half hours, we finally landed at Changi Budget Terminal, Singapore. Next stop is another officer again. I handed her my passport and the disembarkation card.

IO: Why are you here in Singapore?

Me: I’ll be having my vacation and will be meeting my best friend who is working here in Singapore.

IO: Your friend is working at which company.

Me: (I took out the invitation letter from my friend and gave to her) She’s working with (confidential).

IO: Can I see your return ticket?

Then , chop-chop-chop! That easy and that quick. Hello Singapore with 30-day-visit pass!

**Please note that this post is based on my past conversations and experiences only. Please take this as a guide. This does not guarantee that my answers to every question can satisfy other officers and can guarantee positive results because everything is subjective. Everything is affected by human factors and results may vary to every person. Thank you.