In order to facilitate the contribution of global talents to Singapore, the country introduced a new scheme called the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP).
Through PEP, foreign professionals are allowed to work in Singapore for up to 5 years and the holder is not tied to one single employer. PEP is granted based on individual merits and this visa can be applied individually without first securing a job in Singapore. There is a grace period of six months from the collection of the visa to secure employment.
Currently, the Employment Pass or EP can only be granted on the basis of confirmed employment with a specific employer. Unless the EP holder finds employment with a new company, the work pass is immediately cancelled and the EP holder has to leave Singapore the moment the employment ends or the EP holder leaves. A new EP application is needed when the holder needs to move to a new job with a different company or employer. PEP is granted on the strength of an applicants individual merits and does not tie the holder to any employer, thus, a PEP holder is allowed to remain in Singapore for up to six months in between jobs to evaluate new employment opportunities.