Are Agent Fees Worth the Cost? A Closer Look

Let me break down how overseas recruitment agencies work. Mostly, they team up with an overseas local agency. For Singapore also like that. They might partner with an agency in Singapore. They need to do this because the local agency handles the pass and permit applications. It's the Singapore agency that takes care of applying for these passes.

So, what about the agent fees? Split 50-50? Nope. Usually, the overseas agency takes a bigger cut than the one in Myanmar. For example, if the fee is SGD 6K, the overseas agency might get SGD 4K, and the local one gets the rest.

Does self-seeking job in Singapore work?

These days, given the situation, the Singapore government is suggesting that companies should hire people from countries other than Myanmar. So, trying to live and find a job in Singapore from Myanmar isn't the best idea right now. It's probably better to move out first.

Here, most companies also let recruiters take care of applying for permits and other stuff.

Are agent fees worth it?

Nowadays agent fees for Singapore vary depending on your pass type. Basically they start from around SGD 4.5K. The most difficult and calculated is "Should i pay this amount of money?”

We have to consider these criteria.

No 1 . Living Cost

Normally The cost (rental+ transportation+ food+ Pub) in Singapore is around SGD 2000 - to 2500 in a month. So if your salary is under SGD 2000 it is very hard to survive in Singapore.

No 2 . Interest

The main thing to consider is debt if you're borrowing money. Many of my friends are dealing with high interest payments. So, I wouldn't recommend it if your salary can't cover your debt within 6 months after your expenses. No matter how much you want to earn, you can't really get ahead if you're stuck paying off debt.

No 3. Family Financial Background

I also consider about how many months can my family stand without your financial support. So you can easily tweak your lifestyle during those first few months in a new country. I think this one is also the important factor when you consider paying agent fees.

These are the things I think about when deciding whether to pay agent fees. I hope this article helps you out a bit. Here's another story about how I ended up in Singapore.

https://khinthuwai.hashnode.dev/selling-my-ring-chasing-a-dream-my-risky-move-to-singapore