The Immigration Officer (IO) is the most feared entity for discreet jobhunters like me. The IO can dictate the number of days that you can stay in a country, ask for any documentation to support your travel, or say that your travel will not be allowed.

So there I was in Philippine IO, anxious on what the IO may ask.At that time, he was the only IO at the counter, around age 50, thin, with white hair.

IO: What is your intent in going to Singapore?
Me: For vacation
IO: Where will you stay?
Me: With a friend (I gave him the address)
IO: Are you working? Where? Do you have an ID?
Me: Yes, at *** company, and presented my ID (which was invalid since I have already resigned from my job.
IO: what do you do in *** company?
Me: I handle insurance concerns and claims.
IO: Ok, enjoy your vacation.

Yay! so far so good!

While on the plane, my seatmates told me that they had a hard time at the Phil IO. One was a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) and was questioned on why she had no return ticket and she was asked to buy one for her to leave the Philippines. I didn't know why this was asked from her but PRs are not required to have a return ticket, what's the logic of returning to Singapore as PR? tsk tsk. But she still bought one.

The other girl told me that she was held at the IO Office for an hour. Reason: she previously worked in Singapore for 2 years as a domestic helper, now has a current job in the Philippines, and was invited by a friend to have a vacation in Singapore.She presented her invitation letter to the IO but the IO was persistent on asking assurance from her that she won't look for a job in Singapore.(Well, no assurance in that, if I was asked. Hehehe.)Anyway, she was held til 20 minutes before the flight and eventually released. Thank God I didn't have to go through that.

They shared their previous IO experiences with me. They told me that Singapore IOs were strict,especially to women. They had friends who were advised to be A to A or airport to airport, where they were asked to return to the Philippines upon arriving in Singapore. One also was given only 14 days of stay in Singapore. This really helped in raising my anxiety and lowering my confidence level.

Upon arrival in Singapore, I was apprehensive to the nth level.Based on my research, it was advisable to choose a man IO. I chose the one with shorter queue and faster "stamping" sound on the passport. :-)

IO (man, maybe around 50yo din, not so thin, white hair, maybe chinese or Singapore local)". As I was lining up, I could hear my heart beating fast. I hope I don't stammer or choke when I talk, and hope not to show my fear, preparing on what was to come. It was then my turn.

I handed my passport, Disembarkation Card, and printout my e-ticket, and said good evening. He nodded, took my documents and read the details. I held my breath and waited for the 1st question. NONE! He stamped "30 days" on my passport then let me pass. YEHEY! It was my lucky day!

I am very fortunate in my close encounters with the Philippine and Singapore IO. I hope I am that lucky in finding a job!

:-)