Family & gender — Topics

4 Sep 2020

Breakdown of Number of Applications Received to Extend Social Visit Pass, Long Term Visit Pass or Long Term Pass Plus of Foreign Spouses of Singaporean

From February to July in 2019 and 2020, ICA received 6,419 and 8,395 applications respectively for Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) extensions from foreign spouses of Singaporeans, with 2.6% and 2.8% rejection rates, mostly due to adverse records or unsubstantiated need for extension.
For Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) renewals, ICA received 4,503 and 4,243 applications in 2019 and 2020 respectively, with 0.4% rejection rate in both years, primarily due to adverse records or inability to demonstrate financial support.
For Long-Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+) renewals, ICA received 987 and 1,554 applications in 2019 and 2020 respectively, with 0.9% and 0.5% rejection rates, mainly due to adverse records or inability to demonstrate financial support.
During the COVID-19 situation, ICA considers additional factors like travel restrictions and flight connectivity when assessing pass extensions or renewals to assist those with genuine difficulties.

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4 Sep 2020

Review of Personal Income Tax Reliefs vis-a-vis Dependant's Income Threshold and Child's NS Allowances Since 2010

Patrick Tay Teck Guan requested a review of the personal income tax reliefs regarding the $4,000 dependant’s income threshold and child NS allowances that have not been updated since 2010.
Heng Swee Keat explained that tax reliefs like Parent Relief, Spouse Relief, and Qualifying Child Relief are designed to support taxpayers caring for dependants who are handicapped or have no income, with the $4,000 threshold accommodating incidental income.
The government acknowledged the need to keep the tax system relevant and effective, indicating ongoing reviews of personal income tax reliefs while maintaining the current dependant income threshold.

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4 Sep 2020

Enforcement of Compliance with Maintenance Payments in Divorce Cases

Tin Pei Ling asked how the Ministry will ensure full compliance with maintenance orders, especially when the paying parent has the financial means to do so.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that the Maintenance Record Officer scheme helps assess whether a parent is unable or unwilling to pay, allowing the courts to consider harsher penalties for those unwilling to comply.
For parents facing genuine financial hardship, families are referred to Social Service Offices for financial assistance.
The Ministry and Family Justice Courts will continue reviewing the maintenance enforcement regime to enhance compliance.

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4 Sep 2020

Application for Government Paid Childcare Leave Scheme Broken Down by Gender of Employees

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for the median number of childcare leave days taken per year by male and female employees under the Government-Paid Childcare Leave Scheme for the past five years.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M explained that employees with Singapore Citizen children under seven receive six days of paid childcare leave annually, with employers covering the first three days and the government reimbursing the subsequent three days.
Employers are not required to report data for employees taking only one to three days of leave to reduce administrative burden, so statistics are only available for those consuming more than three days.
From 2016 to 2019, the median number of childcare leave days taken was six days for both male and female employees, based on claims submitted by employers for leave beyond the third day.

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4 Sep 2020

Criteria and Appeals for Early Graduation from Home Ownerhsip Plus Education Scheme

Ms Raeesah Khan asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for the number of families and widowed or divorced mothers who have appealed for early graduation from the Home Ownership Plus Education (HOPE) Scheme since 2004 and the approval rate of these appeals.
Ms Raeesah Khan also asked the Minister what criteria families and widowed or divorced mothers under the HOPE Scheme need to meet to graduate early, as the scheme supports low-income families with small households through various subsidies and incentives until the mother turns 45, with early withdrawal possible.
The Minister explained that early graduation is allowed for families who wish to have more than two children if their monthly household income exceeds $4,000 and both spouses have sustained employment for at least five years; since 2004, four out of five appeals were approved, with one divorced client denied for not meeting the criteria.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Social and Family Development

MSF will strengthen social safety nets and support vulnerable households affected by COVID-19 and economic downturns, including through ComCare, grants, and enhanced mental and family wellbeing support.
The ministry aims to improve social service delivery by expanding community networks and partnerships to proactively reach and support those in need, including through initiatives like ComLink and the PEERS Network.
MSF will enhance support for persons with disabilities, preschool education, youth-at-risk, and families through various programmes, including the Enabling Masterplan, preschool subsidies, KidSTART expansion, and family support services.
The social service sector will be transformed with digitalisation, capability building, and partnerships to emerge stronger post-COVID-19, while sustaining community philanthropy and volunteerism.

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5 Jun 2020

Gender-disaggregated Data on Job and Income Losses during COVID-19 Outbreak Period

Yip Pin Xiu asked the Minister for Manpower to release gender-disaggregated data on job and income losses during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Ministry of Manpower stated that it already releases gender-disaggregated labour market data, such as unemployment and retrenchment indicators, quarterly through Labour Market Reports, with the Q1 2020 report due in mid-June.
It added that gender-disaggregated gross monthly income data is published annually in the Labour Force in Singapore report.

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26 May 2020

Adequate Number of HDB Flats under Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme for Young Families

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked whether HDB will ensure an adequate number of flats under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme for young families facing economic uncertainties due to COVID-19.
The Minister for National Development stated that PPHS provides temporary housing for married couples awaiting their new HDB flats and has increased permanent sources for the scheme.
HDB currently has 680 PPHS flats with about 550 occupied and plans to add 200 more by end-2021, bringing the total to about 880.
HDB will continue to monitor demand and review supply to ensure a small and steady supply of PPHS flats in the longer term.

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26 May 2020

Age Limit to be Eligible for Government Co-funded Assisted Reproductive Technology Procedures

Dr Lee Bee Wah questioned why women over 40 must have attempted assisted reproduction or IUI before age 40 to qualify for government co-funded ART procedures, suggesting the rule be removed due to later marriages.
The Ministry of Health explained the age 40 cutoff is based on clinical evidence showing declining success rates after 40, and the policy aims to balance support for early treatment with assistance for older couples.
Dr Lee raised concerns that late-married women cannot meet the pre-40 requirement and asked for options to skip IUI and go directly to IVF for those 35 and above to save time and money.
The Ministry responded that IUI is often recommended as a less invasive first step, but doctors assess individual cases; MediSave can be used without age limits, though government co-funding has age criteria.
Mr Louis Ng highlighted that financial stress affects IVF success, urging more subsidies, but the Ministry reaffirmed its policies are evidence-based and continuously reviewed to balance support and effectiveness.

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5 May 2020

COVID-19 (Temporary Measures for Solemnization and Registration of Marriages) Bill

The Bill allows marriages to be solemnized and registered via live video link during the COVID-19 period, giving couples the option to proceed without waiting for in-person ceremonies.
Key safeguards are included, such as requiring couples and witnesses to be physically in Singapore, giving registrars discretion to mandate in-person processes for certain cases, and extending the validity of marriage notices from three to twelve months.
The measures apply to both civil and Muslim marriages, with religious validity confirmed for Muslim marriages, and are temporary, to be reviewed regularly based on the pandemic situation.

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4 May 2020

Number and Ratio of Social Workers-to-Client in Each Family Service Centre in Last Three Years and Measures to Cope with Sudden Increase in Caseload in Times of Crisis

The number of social workers across Family Service Centres (FSCs) increased from 588 in 2017 to 706 in 2019, averaging about 15 social workers per FSC in 2019, with caseloads averaging 23 to 25 clients per social worker across the three years.
FSCs typically serve around 350 clients annually each, with caseloads remaining relatively stable quarter-to-quarter, and social workers distributed based on each centre’s size and local needs.
During crises like COVID-19, the Ministry of Social and Family Development provides funding based on caseload and complexity, $3,000 support from Community Chest, and access to digital tools and volunteers to help FSCs manage sudden increases in cases.

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4 May 2020

COVID-19 (Temporary Measures for Solemnization and Registration of Marriages) Bill

The Minister for Social and Family Development introduced the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures for Solemnization and Registration of Marriages) Bill with a Certificate of Urgency from the President.
The Bill aims to allow the use of remote communication technology for marriage solemnization and registration under the Women's Charter and Muslim Law Act during the pandemic.
The Speaker confirmed the Certificate of Urgency and ordered the Bill's first reading, with copies distributed to Members.
The Second Reading of the Bill was scheduled for the following day.

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6 Apr 2020

Gender Composition on Corporate Boards and Update on Council of Board Diversity’s Latest Findings and Plans to Achieve Its 20-20 Vision

The Minister highlighted that while having more women on boards enhances diversity and decision-making, Singapore opts for a voluntary approach rather than mandatory quotas to foster organic growth and avoid tokenism, addressing complex root causes like culture and tradition.
The Council for Board Diversity aims for 20% female representation on boards by 2020 and has set new interim targets of 25% by 2025 and 30% by 2030, with efforts to engage companies, build a pipeline of board-ready women, and encourage board renewal.
The Ministry supports women’s multiple roles in society, noting progress in female representation in leadership across sectors, and plans to enhance Flexible Work Arrangements to eliminate workplace barriers through a whole-of-society approach.
Information on board members holding multiple seats is available, but the Minister cautions against restrictive policies to allow for merit-based appointments and organic growth in women’s board participation.

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6 Apr 2020

Breakdown of Number of People Who Have Stayed in Crisis Shelters in Last Three Years and Their Profiles

Ms. Yip Pin Xiu requested a breakdown by gender, age, marital status, citizenship, and length of stay for people in crisis shelters over the last three years.
The Minister for Social and Family Development, Desmond Lee, explained that crisis shelters house about 180 family violence cases annually, mainly for women and children facing violence.
The demographic profile provided was based on main female clients from 2017 to 2019, with a median age of 36, about 70% married, and 75% Singapore residents.
Over 90% of clients stayed less than one year, and more than one-third stayed less than one month.
The data excludes male and female children of the adult clients, focusing only on the main female client per case.

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6 Apr 2020

Tripartite Standard on Gender-Equal Workplace Practices to Require Companies to Adopt Regular Audits of Employee Wages to Ensure Gender Parity and Adequate Female Representation in Key Positions

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry for Manpower to consider introducing a Tripartite Standard on Gender-Equal Workplace Practices requiring companies to conduct regular wage audits and ensure adequate female representation in key leadership positions.
Mrs Josephine Teo responded that while the Ministry supports fair employment practices, imposing a Tripartite Standard may not achieve the desired outcomes and could unintentionally discourage hiring lower-wage women or widen pay gaps.
The government prefers addressing root causes, such as social norms and caregiving roles, by promoting flexible work arrangements and other initiatives to support women's career progression and leadership opportunities.
Singapore has made progress, with the adjusted gender pay gap narrowing and women's board representation increasing, and the government aims to continue encouraging balanced caregiving responsibilities and workplace flexibility.
The debate highlights differing approaches: legislating audits and standards versus addressing underlying social and structural factors to achieve gender parity in the workplace.

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6 Apr 2020

Average and Median Waiting Times between Adult Rape Victim First Approaching Police Station and Filing of First Information Report in Each of Last Five Years

Ms Yip Pin Xiu asked the Minister for Home Affairs for the average and median waiting times for adult rape victims from their first approach to a police station to the filing of a first information report over the last five years.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that the Singapore Police Force does not track the specific time taken for report filing upon arrival at a police station.
He explained that rape victims are instructed to approach service counters directly and will be attended to as soon as possible by officers.
The Minister emphasized that the police take all reports of sexual assault seriously and investigate them expeditiously.
The response indicates that the requested data on waiting times is not available due to a lack of tracking by the authorities.

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6 Apr 2020

Factors that Led to Higher Percentage of Eligible Fathers in Public Sector Taking Paternity Leave Compared to Private Sector

The government's study showed that workplace support from supervisors and colleagues is a key factor affecting paternity leave uptake, with the public sector having a supportive social norm where 84% of fathers take leave.
In the public sector, the high percentage of eligible fathers taking paternity leave is self-reinforcing, as it helps fathers feel assured about taking the leave due to supportive supervisors and colleagues.
The government will continue working with tripartite partners, employers, and community partners to strengthen attitudes and norms supporting fathers taking paternity leave across all sectors.

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6 Apr 2020

Number of Transnational Households with at Least One Singapore Citizen Spouse by Monthly Household Income

Anthea Ong asked the Prime Minister for the current number of transnational households with at least one Singapore citizen spouse, broken down by monthly household income.
Teo Chee Hean, responding for the Prime Minister, stated the latest estimate comes from the 2015 General Household Survey.
According to the 2015 survey, there were approximately 18,700 couples with a Singapore citizen married to a non-resident.
The response noted that a breakdown of this data by monthly household income is unavailable.

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6 Apr 2020

Default Arrangement for Fathers Taking Paternity Leave in Any Combination Within 12 Months After Birth of Child without Mutual Agreement from Employer

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Prime Minister to allow fathers to split the two weeks of paternity leave into any combination within 12 months after birth without needing employer agreement.
The Prime Minister's representative explained that the current default arrangement of taking leave within 16 weeks helps fathers support their families during a critical period and aligns with international practices.
Flexible leave taking is already permitted for up to a year with mutual employer agreement, balancing father's needs with workplace manpower requirements.
The government encourages flexible work arrangements and unpaid leave to support parents, working with tripartite partners to promote family-friendly work cultures.
The government will continue efforts to help employers support parents in managing work and family responsibilities, including paternity leave.

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6 Apr 2020

Assessment of COVID-19’s Impact on Low-income and Other Vulnerable Persons and Households

Ms. Anthea Ong raised concerns about the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups, including low-income families, seniors, persons with disabilities, and those with mental health conditions, and asked about government monitoring, support measures, and policy review opportunities.
Minister Desmond Lee outlined multi-Ministry efforts such as enhanced financial assistance, proactive outreach by Silver Generation Ambassadors, and the launch of the COVID-19 Support Grant, while emphasizing the importance of a whole-of-society approach to support the vulnerable.
Ong followed up with supplementary questions about the continuity of family violence and child protection services during circuit breaker measures, the adequacy of resources for potential increases in abuse cases, and support for social service agencies facing funding shortfalls.
Lee responded by announcing a National CARE hotline, confirming that essential protection services remain operational with adequate resources, and detailing existing and upcoming measures to support social service agencies through funding and capability-building schemes.

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