We refer to the article “New rules clear air for transnational marriages” (Straits Times, Oct 25).

“Would be” foreign spouses can apply for LTVP

It states that “Singaporeans and their would-be foreign spouses will from January next year, be able to start the process of applying for the spouses’ Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) before they tie the knot, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Friday.

This is a change from the current policy where the application process for the long-term pass starts only after marriage.

Not counted in foreign workers’ quota?

Another change announced on Friday is that from next year, employers who wish to hire someone who is a foreign spouse staying here on a long-term pass can apply for a Letter of Consent. Upon issuance, the foreign spouse will no longer be counted against the foreign worker quota or require a foreign worker levy, said the Ministry of Manpower.”

No foreign workers’ levy?

This means that such individuals will not be counted against the foreign worker quota that companies have to abide by – and employers will not need to pay the foreign workers’ levy when employing them.”

Another loophole and floodgate?

– Does this mean that we may be opening another loophole for foreigners (would be foreign spouses) to be hired without being counted in the foreign workers’ quota?

For practical purposes, does it mean that a company can employ 100 per cent of their workforce, from such “would be” foreign spouses and actual foreign spouses?

Save on CPF?

Employers may prefer such “foreign spouses” because they save on the employer CPF contribution of 17%.

Save on foreign workers’ levy?

Also, they do not have to apply for a foreign worker’s permit or pass. Thus, saving on the foreign worker’s levy and application fees.

No level playing field?

The above may make the playing field even more “not level” against Singaporean workers.

How many foreign spouses are there on the LTVP?

S Y Lee and Leong Sze Hian