International students who are on government bonds are currently unable to find jobs and they are obligated to work in Singapore for three years. Many have stated that their savings are depleting and breaking the bond would cost up to $100,000.
Many have managed to secure jobs but the Ministry of Manpower has been delaying or rejecting their workpass applications. A vocal group from NUS College has stated that they are incensed the MOM due to this issue and they want to know why the government is doing this yet at the same time tying them to their bonds.
A South Korean student recently commented: “Singapore doesn’t want me it seems, but I can’t look for a job in Korea… If I look for a job elsewhere, I have to pay back a crazy sum of money.”
The South Korean student who recently graduated also said: “The Government should be responsible for us as well, but I feel like they are abandoning us and leaving us to die on the streets somewhere.”