Foreign Nurses who Received Permanent Residency and Their Employment in Public and Private Healthcare Sectors, and Voluntary Welfare Organisations

Mr Mark Lee asked the Minister for Health (a) of the approximate 700 foreign nurses who were granted permanent residency (PR) each year between 2018 and 2022, what is the breakdown of the number who worked in (i) public and (ii) private healthcare sectors, particularly in voluntary welfare organisations; and (b) in the period leading to 2030, whether the Ministry plans to progressively increase the percentage of nurses who are granted PR status as a measure to mitigate the turnover of nursing staff in both sectors.

From 2018 to 2022, about 85% of nurses granted Permanent Resident (PR) status were from the public healthcare sector. The remaining were from private healthcare providers, including voluntary welfare organisations.

The Ministry of Health values and appreciates the dedication and contributions of all our healthcare workers. Our healthcare workforce comprises a sizeable majority of Singaporeans, complemented by foreign manpower from many countries who have become an integral part of our healthcare team. They serve patients alongside each other and go through crisis together. For those who become valued members of our healthcare community and demonstrate commitment to Singapore, we will continue to grant them PRs and anchor them in our healthcare system.