The Covid-19 pandemic has just swept Singapore and there is high uncertainty. Panic, fears, and restricted movements in our personal lives and in business mark new precedent.
Marching on from 2020: Welcoming New Opportunities
Dear Clients,
Associates, Colleagues, Vendors, and Partners of IASG,
This year has been like no other in our lifetime. It began strongly in the first quarter with Singapore achieving its annual investment targets and was followed by the Covid-19 outbreak which quickly swept across the world.
Welcoming new opportunities ahead, we are not alone embracing new norms. Together, we experienced lockdowns, social distancing measures, travel restrictions, and adjusting to work from home, blurring the lines between professional and personal space. By mid-year, unemployment and folding businesses was at a record high. For those that managed to hang on, wage cuts, retrenchments became the norm as businesses strived to survive. It truly is a year like never!
However, as with all things, we have learnt to adapt. Together, we have taken better control of the situation (in Singapore at least), and things began to move on again, as the country moves into Phase 3 of the Circuit Breaker.
Yet, as we look back, there are some things worth celebrating.
Helping Clients Attain Approval on their Singapore PR and Citizenship Applications
While individuals and businesses learnt to adapt, the show must go on. IASG continued serving our clients through 2020, with many rewards. Contrary to hearsay on internet forums and social media, the Singapore Government has remained committed in the granting of approvals in 2020 with no severe changes in overall quota. IASG is proud to be part of this and have officially attained a higher rate of approvals compared to 2019.
Most notably, some of these cases were thought to be a ‘lost cause’ when the clients first came to us. This included a couple way into their 60s, as well as a young family where both had to undergo mandatory wage cuts of up to 50%!
Through successfully helping these lovely clients realise their Singapore dream, and keeping families close, IASG reaffirms our commitment in this line.
Singapore Stabilising and Opening Up Its Economy Further
Once again, Singapore’s size triumphs as we quickly start to wriggle our economy towards recovery. Compared to other nations regionally, as well in Europe and America, our relatively small size has made it possible for the situation to be controlled swiftly. Despite the initial onset with the situation in the Migrant Workers Dormitories, Singapore has once again proved its resilience and capabilities in weathering the storm, with strong governmental support and ability to continue attracting business interest and investments.
2021: A Singapore from an Analysts’ Perspective
We have been keeping a close eye on the impact of Covid-19 on Singapore’s economy, business attractiveness, and political stability since its onset, to predict the migration patterns that will follow. Concern over the immigration situation has been at an all-time high, with both the Singaporean population as well foreign talent having their own set of worries. From the data compiled through the research, five key patterns have been emerging and cannot be ignored:
- Singapore remains an extremely attractive location for foreign businesses;
- Singapore is still investing into future industries to drive its economic recovery;
- Singapore needs skilled foreign talent to drive these industries and train the local workforce;
- Local jobs are not at risk of being passed over to the foreign population, and,
- There is no pressing need for Singapore to reduce its quotas for Permanent Residency and Citizenship application approvals.
IASG continues to be at the forefront to assist clients and business partners on their inbound Singapore immigration needs. Our commitment to delivering quality documents packages to best represent clients to the authorities remains steadfast, with a team that has been well-drilled on the necessary processes and knowledge.
Leading by Example in the Importance of Giving Back to the Community
IASG celebrates the season of giving in conjunction with its 6th anniversary of rendering assistance to foreigners looking to make Singapore home. As part of ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, members of IASG reached out to the Migrant Workers community this time round, providing meals for our migrant worker friends who have taken the brunt of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The importance of social integration has often been overlooked by those keen to secure Singapore Permanent Residence and/or Citizenship. Yet, to date, when we analyse the applications of clients, we have helped get approved, more than 85% have embarked on consistent community integration efforts!
Welcoming New Opportunities in Immigration@SG
I have been reflecting on the things I am most grateful for. Primarily among those is the talented group of employees. Thank you for the work you have done for the organization this year. You have helped us provide award-winning services to our clients. IASG is proud to lead by example and look forward to serving our clients and giving back more in 2021!
As we draw 2020 to a close, on behalf of IASG, we understand how the holidays can seem especially draining this year with all that is going on. We wish you moments of peace amid the difficulties, connections with family and friends even if they cannot be in person, and the warmth of memories from holidays past.
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.”
– T.S Eliot
I wish all Happy Holidays and may the New Year bring good health, happiness, and good fortune.
