Renewal of Permanent Residency Status

Mr Ong Teng Koon asked the Prime Minister (a) whether permanent resident (PR) status has a validity period; (b) how many persons have been PRs for more than 20 years and 30 years respectively without choosing to become Singapore citizens; (c) how can the Ministry encourage PRs to become Singapore citizens; and (d) whether the Ministry will consider not renewing PR status after a stipulated number of years.

Page: 1335

Mr Speaker, Sir, the permanent resident (PR) status does not have a validity period per se. However, PRs are issued with a Re-Entry Permit (REP) that has a maximum validity of five years and may be renewed if the PR meets the prevailing criteria, including whether he is gainfully employed and is contributing to Singapore, or whether he has family roots in Singapore and continues to maintain ties here. The actual length of validity granted may vary, depending on the specific circumstances of each case. A PR who travels out of or remains outside Singapore without a valid REP will lose his PR status.

Based on available data, around 10% of the PR stock would have been PRs for 20 or more years. My Ministry has no plans at this point of time to consider not renewing the REP after one has held PR status for a stipulated number of years.

Taking up citizenship is a serious commitment which is ultimately a personal decision. The best way to attract qualified PRs who have decided to make their future here to consider applying for citizenship is to ensure that our Singapore Citizens are well looked after. To reflect the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship, and to acknowledge Singapore Citizens' commitment to Singapore, Singapore Citizens receive more support and benefits in the areas of marriage and parenthood, housing, healthcare and education.

Over the past few years, we have widened the differentiation in benefits accorded to Singapore Citizens and PRs. It is also important that we continue to be an inclusive society where we are gracious and warm towards one another. How we relate to PRs and newcomers would also affect their decisions to sink roots here permanently.

Page: 1335