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You have to grind and hustle, they say. As much as people should seek happiness and intangible things, you can’t survive with just that. You need money to pay the bills and buy the necessities you need.
Sometimes having one job is not enough to make ends meet. You might need to opt to get two jobs to get more money. But if you are an immigrant, you might be worried about the legal issues behind this plan of yours. So the big question is, can you work two jobs in Singapore?
In Singapore, a Permanent Resident (PR) may hold multiple jobs, but there are several important considerations and regulations to keep in mind. Here’s an overview:
- Employer Consent: Most employment contracts in Singapore include clauses that require the employee to seek consent from their primary employer before taking on additional employment. This is to ensure that the secondary job does not create a conflict of interest or affect the employee’s performance in their primary role.
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Regulations: The Ministry of Manpower does not explicitly prohibit PRs from holding multiple jobs. However, the PR needs to comply with MOM regulations and ensure that their secondary employment does not violate any terms of their primary employment pass or PR status.
- Tax Implications: Holding multiple jobs will have tax implications. Singapore PRs are required to report all sources of income and pay the appropriate taxes. It is important to ensure that all earnings are declared and that taxes are duly paid.
- Work-Life Balance: Holding multiple jobs can lead to increased stress and reduced work-life balance. It is essential to consider the impact of multiple jobs on personal health and well-being.
- Industry-Specific Restrictions: Some industries may have specific restrictions or guidelines regarding multiple employment. It is important to check with relevant industry bodies or associations.
- Freelancing and Part-Time Work: If the secondary job is a
freelance or part-time position, it may offer more flexibility. However, the same considerations regarding employer consent, tax implications, and compliance with MOM regulations apply. - PR Status and Obligations: Singapore PRs have certain obligations and rights, including the need to renew their PR status periodically. Engaging in multiple jobs should not jeopardize their ability to meet these obligations.
- Legal Consultation: It is advisable for PRs considering multiple jobs to consult with a legal expert or the Ministry of Manpower to ensure full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
What is Moonlighting?
Moonlighting is a loose term that pertains to the act of having more jobs than one. Aside from your main job, you could work for another company or be self-employed. Your second job could be another full-time job or a part-time job.
Even though it is a great place to live in and a great choice to raise a family, it is not cheap to live in Singapore. Singapore is considered to be one of the most expensive countries in which to live.
So it is not surprising that a lot of Singaporeans are admitting that they have other jobs. The main reasons for moonlighting are:
- To be able to meet the cost of living
- To build
savings - To support family
- To explore career options
Happily, thanks to the internet, it’s usually possible to find additional work. After all, the online side hustles in South Africa are also available in Singapore. With the web, Singaporeans can tap into a global economy.
Is Moonlighting Legal?
If you are a Singaporean citizen, you do not worry if having two jobs is legal or not, but for immigrants, this is a question that goes through their minds. If you’re wondering If PR can work 2 jobs, the simple answer is yes.
The Singaporean law does not hinder moonlighting. However, some restrictions are depending on your occupation. If you work as a public or civil servant or are employed by any government-related organization, you are not allowed to have another job aside from it.
This is done to avoid conflict of interest and corruption. Although, if you really wish to gain a second job, you can file for an appeal and seek approval. This is however just a case-to-case basis.
Having two jobs can also be restricted by the company you work for. Most employers are not fond of moonlighting. You can only apply for another job if there is no conflict of interest with your current employer and if your work contract does not prohibit you from doing so.
There you have it. If you are a permanent resident of Singapore, you can work two jobs legally. As long as you are not working with the government, it is legal. Make sure that before you apply for a second job you are cleared in your current job.
Keep in mind also that you should be able to handle both responsibilities in both jobs. You cannot let your part-time affect your full-time job. It is also important that you are a PR. PR is different from having just a work permit. Sanctions will be brought to you if you go against the law.
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