Grass is always greener on the other side

[fafa]

I'm a Singaporean, would like to get out of this place. All around me it seems so easy for foreigners to come to Singapore and get a working visa - is that true? But I feel it is difficult for us to do the other way eg. in UK or EU, unless u apply for fiancee or a marriage visa, or if you're a rocket scientist where it is much needed in that particular country.

**** *Throwing my passport*

[bechampions]

Originally Posted by fafa

I'm a Singaporean, would like to get out of this place. All around me it seems so easy for foreigners to come to Singapore and get a working visa - is that true? But I feel it is difficult for us to do the other way eg. in UK or EU, unless u apply for fiancee or a marriage visa, or if you're a rocket scientist where it is much needed in that particular country.

**** *Throwing my passport*

ironically i really wanna move to singapore...and no i dont feel that its easy for foreigners getting to singapore, for me anyway cuz ive done enough research to know

[ini_niki]

Everything has changed with the economic downturn ... it's harder than ever to get into other countries. At the end of the day it's all about skills ... if you have a skill that is unique / hard to come by then you're more likely to be able to get a job that will allow you to move. If you don't you're competing with in-country people and most companies won't pay for someone with the same skills to do the job unless you're super cheaper -- but that won't happen since they still have to pay for your work visa / relocation costs etc ... cheaper to get a local for the job.

So ... if you want to work overseas ... research what jobs people are desperate for ... then skill up

n

[emilysears]

Originally Posted by fafa

I'm a Singaporean, would like to get out of this place. All around me it seems so easy for foreigners to come to Singapore and get a working visa - is that true? But I feel it is difficult for us to do the other way eg. in UK or EU, unless u apply for fiancee or a marriage visa, or if you're a rocket scientist where it is much needed in that particular country.

From what I've heard S'pore is impossible to get into! I have yet to have a proper look into getting a visa, but I do have a degree. Can I ask what is it about Singapore that makes you want to leave?
I really need to visit Singapore before I decide to move or not *duh*. can you recommend any fancy hotels, restaurants or attractions to make my time as memorable as possible?

Thank you!

[Miss Swan]

Actually most Singaporeans have taken things for granted. They haven't been elsewhere and experienced worse lifestyles. But in a nutshell, taking things very objectively:

- Expensive homes & cars: A flat costs as much as a big house! Same with cars (=small house)
- Education: Stressful system loaded with too much homework and based on meritocracy. Kids here score lower in creativity as compared to their Western counterparts.
- Weather: Subjective. Personally I find it too humid/warm for my liking, but Europeans love it (understandably so).

But you'd love Singapore for its:
- multi-racial society (hardly any racism amongst fellow people albeit a growing resentment towards China & India workers)
- cleanliness
- no natural disasters
- clean air, clean water
- excellent world-class medical facilities
- solid government (some say the government over-coddles us)
- excellent transport system
- equal gender rights
- never lacking of food places

I could go on lol...

As for attractions, we have a world-class Zoo that surpasses many others. The suburbs are worth taking a look too as they reflect the typical Singaporean lifestyle. Visit Clark Quay or Boat Quay for the nightlife. Esplanade for the music, theatre & arts. Chinatown has heaps of street stalls/shops to tantalize your senses. Sim Lim Square is a haven for technological purchases but Caveat Emptor!!

Hotels/restaurants: way too many. What is considered attractive/memorable to you?