Debated in Parliament on 3 Feb 2020.
Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) in the last five years, how many retired Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) applied for renewal of re-entry permits; (b) what proportion of these had their applications rejected; (c) how does this proportion compare with that of the previous five years; and (d) what are the considerations in deciding whether to approve such an application.
A re-entry permit (REP) may be renewed if the Permanent Resident or PR meets the prevailing criteria for renewal, including whether he or she is gainfully employed and still contributing to Singapore, and has his or her family roots here. For PRs who have retired, we will generally renew their REPs, in recognition of their past contributions to Singapore.
In the last five years, approximately 52,400 retired Singapore PRs applied to renew their REPs. Only about 2% were rejected, largely because they were absent from Singapore for a prolonged period and furthermore had no family roots here. This rejection rate is similar to that from 2010 to 2014.
Assoc Prof Walter Theseira.
Thank you, Mr Speaker. Just one clarifying question for the Senior Parliamentary Secretary. I thank her for the answer. Would the Senior Parliamentary Secretary clarify whether retired REP applicants need to show that they can support themselves financially? I am asking because based on ICA's list of documents for REP application, current employment and income is needed for those who obtain their PR originally for work-related reasons, and some retired PRs may find themselves in a difficult position financially as retirees. As the Senior Parliamentary Secretary acknowledged, they have been here for many years and have contributed to Singapore.
We generally renew REPs if they are able to show family roots in Singapore. That is a very important criteria. The second is that they have not been away from Singapore for prolonged periods of time. So, like the Member had mentioned, if they are retired PRs, I would understand that they are not able to do a declaration of employment because they are already retired. But if they are able to meet the criteria that I just mentioned – that they have family roots or they have not been away for prolonged periods – then, they are very likely to have their REPs renewed.
PAPERCUTS