Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT)

ICT Status in Singapore

An Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) in Singapore is an employee of a multinational company who is transferred to a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in Singapore. This is a common practice for companies that need to bring in specialized skills or knowledge to their Singapore operations.   

Key Requirements for ICT Status

To qualify as an ICT in Singapore, the employee must meet the following criteria:

• Existing Employee: The individual must already be an employee of the multinational company outside of Singapore.   

• Minimum Employment Period: They must have worked for the company for at least one year before being transferred to Singapore.   

• Eligible Roles: The employee must be in a managerial, executive, or specialist role.   

• Compliance with WTO/FTA: The transfer must comply with the definition of ICT under the World Trade Organization's General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) or any applicable Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that Singapore is a party to.   

Benefits of ICT Status

One of the main benefits of ICT status is that employers are exempt from advertising the job vacancy on MyCareersFuture, Singapore's national jobs bank. This can save time and resources for companies looking to quickly transfer employees.

Limitations and Considerations

While ICT status offers certain advantages, it's important to be aware of the following:

• Family Members: Generally, family members of ICTs are not eligible for Dependent's Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes to stay in Singapore with them. However, there may be exceptions under specific FTAs.   

• Pass Duration: ICT passes are temporary, typically limited to a maximum of 5 years.   

• Future Employment: ICTs generally face limitations on seeking future employment in Singapore after their pass expires.   

Application Process

The application process for an ICT Employment Pass is similar to that of a regular Employment Pass, but with additional documentation required to prove ICT status. This may include:   

• Organizational charts demonstrating the employee's position within the company structure, both in Singapore and overseas.   

• A declaration from the applicant confirming their employment with the company for at least one year before the transfer.   

• Specialist documentation (if applicable) to showcase the employee's expertise.   

Recent Changes

It's worth noting that there have been some recent changes to the ICT scheme in Singapore. For example, in 2020, the Ministry of Manpower tightened the rules regarding Dependent's Passes for ICTs. It's important to stay updated on the latest regulations and requirements.

Overall, the ICT scheme provides a streamlined process for multinational companies to transfer employees to Singapore for specific purposes. However, it's crucial to understand the eligibility criteria, limitations, and application process before proceeding.   

Here's a deeper dive into the world of Intra-Corporate Transferees (ICTs) in Singapore, covering some finer points:

ICTs vs. Regular Employment Pass Holders

While ICTs are technically Employment Pass (EP) holders, there are key distinctions:

• Job Advertising: As mentioned before, ICTs are exempt from the requirement to advertise the job on MyCareersFuture. This is a significant advantage for companies seeking to quickly fill a role with a trusted employee.

• Family Members: This is a crucial difference. ICTs generally cannot bring their family members to Singapore on Dependent's Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes. This is a major consideration for individuals with families. However, exceptions exist under specific Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), such as those with India and Australia.

• Pass Duration: ICT passes are typically shorter, with a maximum duration of 5 years. Regular EPs can be valid for up to 2 years initially and renewable for up to 3 years.

• Future Employment: ICTs generally face limitations on seeking future employment in Singapore after their pass expires. This is because the ICT scheme is designed for temporary transfers, not long-term relocation.

Why Singapore Uses the ICT Scheme

The ICT scheme serves several purposes:

• Skills Transfer: It allows multinational companies to bring in employees with specialized skills or knowledge that may not be readily available in Singapore.

• Knowledge Sharing: ICTs can play a vital role in transferring knowledge and expertise within a company, ensuring consistency and efficiency across different branches.

• Business Continuity: In cases where a key employee is needed in Singapore urgently, the ICT scheme provides a faster route than the regular EP process.

Challenges and Considerations

• Limited Flexibility: The restrictions on family members and future employment can be a major drawback for some individuals considering an ICT posting.

• Potential for Abuse: There have been concerns about companies using the ICT scheme to circumvent local hiring requirements. This is why the Ministry of Manpower has been tightening the rules and scrutinizing applications more closely.

• Evolving Regulations: The ICT scheme is subject to changes in government policy. It's crucial to stay updated on the latest regulations and requirements.

Tips for Employers and Employees

• Plan Ahead: The application process can still take time, even with the exemption from advertising. It's important to plan well in advance to avoid delays.

• Gather Documentation: Ensure all necessary documents are complete and accurate. This includes organizational charts, employment records, and specialist documentation (if applicable).

In Conclusion

The ICT scheme is a valuable tool for multinational companies operating in Singapore. It facilitates the transfer of talent and expertise while supporting business needs. However, it's essential to understand the specific requirements, limitations, and recent changes to the scheme to make informed decisions.

How immigration specialist professional can Help

Immigration specialists can be invaluable when navigating the complexities of the Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) scheme in Singapore. Here's how they can help:

1. Expert Knowledge and Guidance:

• Stay Updated: Immigration specialists are experts in the ever-evolving immigration landscape. They keep abreast of the latest changes in regulations, policies, and procedures related to the ICT scheme, ensuring your application aligns with the most current requirements.   

• Assess Eligibility: They can evaluate your specific situation to determine if you meet all the criteria for ICT status, including the necessary qualifications, employment history, and compliance with WTO/FTA guidelines.   

• Explain Complexities: They can clearly explain the nuances of the ICT scheme, including the differences between ICTs and regular Employment Pass holders, the implications for family members, and the restrictions on future employment.

2. Streamlined Application Process:

• Document Preparation: Immigration specialists can assist in gathering and organizing all the necessary documents for your ICT application. This includes organizational charts, employment records, specialist documentation, and any other supporting evidence.   

• Application Review: They can meticulously review your application to ensure it is complete, accurate, and error-free, minimizing the risk of delays or rejection.   

• Submission and Follow-up: They can handle the submission of your application to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and follow up on its progress, keeping you informed throughout the process.

3. Addressing Specific Concerns:

• Family Matters: Immigration specialists can advise on the options available for family members, including exploring possibilities under specific FTAs or alternative visa categories.

• Future Employment: They can provide guidance on the limitations ICTs face regarding future employment in Singapore and explore potential pathways for long-term residency if desired.

• Appeals and Troubleshooting: In case of any issues or rejection, they can assist with appeals and provide solutions to address any concerns raised by the MOM.

4. Saving Time and Stress:

• Efficiency: By handling the application process efficiently and accurately, immigration specialists can save you valuable time and effort.

• Reduced Stress: They can alleviate the stress and uncertainty associated with navigating complex immigration procedures, providing peace of mind throughout the process.   

5. Maximizing Chances of Success:

• Expert Advice: With their in-depth knowledge and experience, immigration specialists can provide expert advice to maximize your chances of a successful ICT application.   

• Compliance: They ensure your application complies with all relevant regulations and guidelines, reducing the risk of rejection due to technicalities.

In conclusion, immigration specialists act as valuable partners in the ICT process, offering expertise, guidance, and support to both employers and employees. By leveraging their services, you can navigate the complexities of the ICT scheme with greater confidence and efficiency.