Immigration & foreign manpower — Topics

7 Feb 2023

Long-Term Visit Pass Applications for Family Members to Assist with Care Responsibilities in Singapore

Ms He Ting Ru inquired about the number of Long-Term Visit Pass applications received and approved for family members assisting with childcare or care responsibilities over the last five years.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that ICA does not specifically track applications based on caregiving purposes, even though it may ask about caregiving arrangements during assessment.
Eligible applicants for LTVP include spouses, unmarried minor children, and parents of Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, as per ICA’s guidelines.

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7 Feb 2023

Update on Popular Places Pass Scheme for Migrant Workers Staying in Dormitories

He Ting Ru inquired about the current status and future timeline for winding down the Popular Places Pass scheme for migrant workers in dormitories.
Tan See Leng confirmed the pass remains a contingency measure for managing crowds at four designated locations on Sundays and public holidays, but no worker has been denied access or penalized for not having a pass.
The pass has been effectively dormant since VDS were lifted in October 2022, and MOM will continue reviewing and easing measures based on the COVID-19 situation.

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7 Feb 2023

Assaults at Dormitories involving Migrant Workers from Different Nationalities

From 2020 to 2022, about 990 assault cases involving migrant workers at dormitories were reported to the Singapore Police Force, including affray and rioting.
A minority of these cases involved persons of different races, but none were reported to be racially motivated.
Police collaborate with dormitory operators on safety measures, including security arrangements, CCTV systems, and engagement on crime prevention as part of licensing conditions with the Ministry of Manpower.

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6 Feb 2023

Availability of Dormitory Accommodation for Migrant Workers

The Ministry of Manpower reports a 29% increase in Work Permit holders in key sectors since January 2022, with current numbers 13% higher than pre-pandemic levels, driving strong demand for dormitory beds.
To address the shortage, MOM is maximizing existing dormitory capacity, allowing more Factory Converted Dormitories and Construction Temporary Quarters, and planning to build more purpose-built dormitories.
Employers are encouraged to reduce reliance on manpower through technology and lean methodologies, with initiatives like the extended Productivity Innovation Project co-funding labour-efficient technologies to support this shift.

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6 Feb 2023

Hiring More than One Migrant Domestic Worker by Caregivers of Elderly with Severe Dementia

Christopher de Souza asked if the Ministry of Manpower allows caregivers of elderly with severe dementia to hire more than one migrant domestic worker.
The Ministry considers caregiving needs, including cases with elderly dementia patients, when assessing applications for a second MDW.
Financial ability to hire and maintain two MDWs in acceptable accommodation is also a key factor in the decision.

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6 Feb 2023

Profile of Tenants of HDB Flat Owners

Minister Desmond Lee reported that over the past decade, 5-8% of tenants renting from HDB flat owners were Singaporeans, 13-16% were Permanent Residents, and 76-82% were foreigners, with most tenants aged 30 to 39.
The government introduced a non-citizen quota in January 2014 to cap flats wholly rented to non-Malaysian non-citizens at 8% per neighbourhood and 11% per block, aiming to prevent foreigner enclaves.
The response detailed the proportion breakdown of tenant nationalities but did not provide the exact number of tenants as asked by the questioner.

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6 Feb 2023

Occupancy Limit of Six Foreign Workers for Non-purpose-built Accommodation

Yip Hon Weng asked if the Ministry plans to review the occupancy limit of six foreign workers for non-purpose-built accommodation, suggesting it could be increased based on floor area.
Desmond Lee responded that there are currently no plans to review the occupancy limits, as they are already differentiated by accommodation size.
He noted that 1- and 2-room HDB flats have a limit of four unrelated persons, while 3-room and larger HDB flats and private residential property have a limit of six unrelated persons.

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6 Feb 2023

Motorcycles Bought and Rented by Malaysian Work Pass Holders

Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Transport about the number of motorcycles purchased and rented by Malaysian work pass holders over the past five years and any trend changes.
The Minister for Transport, S Iswaran, stated that about 2% of motorcycles registered in Singapore are owned by Malaysian work pass holders with no clear trend.
The Government does not track data on the rental of motorcycles by this group.
The debate highlights the limited data available on motorcycle rentals compared to ownership by Malaysian work pass holders.
The response indicates stable ownership levels without significant changes in demand patterns.

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6 Feb 2023

Measures to Curb Borrowing by Migrant Domestic Workers and Teach Them Prudent Financial Management

The number of migrant domestic workers borrowing from licensed moneylenders remains low at about 150 per year, while borrowing from unlicensed moneylenders has increased over the past three years.
The Ministry of Law has implemented measures to curb borrowing from licensed moneylenders, including loan restrictions, aggregate caps, self-exclusion frameworks, and advertising bans targeting vulnerable groups.
The Singapore Police Force takes a tough stance against unlicensed moneylending through enforcement operations and partnerships with banks, and may revoke work passes and bar MDWs from further employment in Singapore if found borrowing from unlicensed lenders.
The Ministry of Manpower collaborates with NGOs and employment agencies to provide financial education to MDWs through mandatory orientation programmes, guidebooks, and courses, while also educating employers on advising MDWs to avoid borrowing.
Government agencies continue to monitor the situation and will work with stakeholders to step up efforts as necessary to address borrowing and promote prudent financial management among MDWs.

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10 Jan 2023

Data on Training Employment Passes and Training Work Permits Issued in Last 10 Years

Leong Mun Wai requested detailed statistics from 2013 to 2022 on Training Employment Passes (TEPs) and Training Work Permits (TWPs), including issuance numbers, average durations, extensions, conversions to other work passes, and salary data.
Tan See Leng explained that TEPs are for foreign students or trainees with a minimum $3,000 monthly salary or from specified institutions, typically valid for up to three months, while TWPs are for unskilled or semi-skilled trainees, valid for up to six months and subject to Dependency Ratio Ceiling and levies.
Both passes are non-renewable with no automatic conversion to other work passes; employers must apply separately if they wish to hire the trainees, who must meet prevailing work pass criteria on their own merit.
The Ministry of Manpower provided a table with historical annual averages for the requested statistics from 2013 to 2021, but specific numeric details were not included in the debate transcript.

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10 Jan 2023

Flexibility under Work Pass Framework to Hire Foreign Nurses to Meet Healthcare Sector Needs

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Manpower to provide flexibility under the work pass framework to hire foreign nurses to meet healthcare manpower needs.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that additional work pass quotas and greater flexibility have been allocated to recruit foreign nurses from non-traditional sources, which are being used judiciously.
Louis Ng sought clarification on whether the Dependant's Pass applications for foreign nurses are being monitored and if the application process could be made more favourable.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary acknowledged the concern and stated that the issue is being looked into specifically.
The debate highlighted the need to address foreign nurses' concerns about bringing their families to Singapore to retain talent in the healthcare sector.

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9 Jan 2023

Clarification by Minister for Health

Minister Ong Ye Kung clarified that the SG Arrival Card, originally physical for foreigners, was digitized due to COVID-19 for all foreigners and returning residents arriving by air and sea.
The Ministry of Health and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority reduced the questions to a minimum during the digital transition, prompting a Member’s concern about its usefulness.
The Minister indicated a potential review to possibly add more questions to the SG Arrival Card based on the feedback received.

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9 Jan 2023

Clarification by Second Minister for Trade and Industry

The Second Minister for Trade and Industry clarified that there was no "U-turn" regarding the M-SEP scheme's impact on foreign domestic worker (FDW) quotas, addressing a point raised by Mr Leon Perera.
The Minister corrected a previous statement, noting the relevant cap is 33% (not 30%) for the ratio of FDWs to households, and this will be monitored closely.
The M-SEP scheme is highly selective with stringent criteria, so it is not expected to significantly affect the prevailing quota proportions.
The clarification emphasized that the scheme does not involve raising sub-DRC numbers or work permit numbers above the prevailing quota, which was the context of the "U-turn" concern.

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9 Jan 2023

Work Permit Holders Unable to Enter Singapore due to Lack of Dormitory Spaces in 2022

Desmond Choo asked for the number of approved work permit holders unable to enter Singapore due to dormitory space shortages in 2022, by industry.
The Ministry of Manpower stated it does not track such numbers or reasons, noting dormitory occupancy rates are high with over 10% more CMP workers than pre-COVID-19 levels.
In the second half of 2022, net inflow of CMP workers averaged over 7,000 per month, and MOM will work to increase dormitory bed supply while urging employers to adopt productivity measures.

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9 Jan 2023

Allow Special Pass Holders Assisting in Investigations to Take Up Temporary Employment

Louis Ng asked whether Special Pass holders assisting in investigations could take up temporary employment with prior notification, without needing discretionary approval.
The Minister responded that such holders are generally allowed to work under the Temporary Job Scheme, but eligibility assessments may be required in cases involving public safety or investigation interference.
The Ministry of Manpower refers eligible holders to employment agencies and informs potential employers of their legal circumstances to support informed hiring decisions.

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9 Jan 2023

Number of Construction Workers Required to Sustain Level of Development and Projected Shortfall for Construction Manpower in 2023

The Minister stated that the number of construction work permit holders in Singapore exceeded pre-COVID levels by about 15% as of end-2022, due to eased entry requirements and firms catching up on delayed projects.
The Built Environment Industry Transformation Map aims to improve productivity and reduce reliance on a large, manpower-intensive workforce, with initiatives like enhancing the Buildability framework to mandate Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) for large projects.
The Building and Construction Authority supports firms in adopting DfMA technologies such as precast and PPVC, and has extended the Productivity Innovation Project scheme to co-fund up to 70% of costs for newer technologies.

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9 Jan 2023

Median Starting Salary of Foreign Graduates from Local Universities and Polytechnics who Entered Workforce

Hazel Poa requested data on the number and percentage of foreign graduates from local universities and polytechnics entering Singapore's workforce over the past 20 years, along with the median starting salary for both foreign and local graduates.
Chan Chun Sing responded that international students make up about 10% of students in local higher education institutions and that their employment outcomes and wages are comparable to those of local students.
The debate centered on the need for transparency regarding the employment and salary statistics of foreign versus local graduates from Singapore's educational institutions.

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9 Jan 2023

Employment Passes Issued to Non-residents who Secured New Jobs in Third Quarter 2022 and Measures to Encourage Singaporeans to Fill These Roles

The Ministry for Manpower reported that of the 71,100 new jobs taken by non-residents in Q3 2022, 11,300 were Employment Pass holders, 5,900 were S Pass holders, and 53,900 held work permits or other passes, with growth concentrated in Manufacturing and Construction.
The Minister expects total employment to continue growing but more moderately for residents, given that resident unemployment has recovered to pre-COVID levels while non-resident employment remains below its pre-pandemic peak despite recent increases.
The government is leveraging initiatives like the National Jobs Council’s SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package and Workforce Singapore’s Career Conversion Programmes to support Singaporeans in filling new roles, having placed about 200,000 locals into jobs and training opportunities from April 2020 to April 2022.

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9 Jan 2023

Number and Operating Hours of Immigration Counters at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints

There are 302 immigration counters at Woodlands Checkpoint and 276 at Tuas Checkpoint for motorists entering and leaving Singapore, with about 92% of counters manned during the December 2022 peak period.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority uses dynamic officer deployment, flexible lane conversion, and technology like automated clearance to manage congestion, but limits exist due to heavy traffic and infrastructure constraints.
Longer-term measures include expanding automated in-car clearance, the Automated Clearance Initiative for eligible visitors, and collaboration with transport agencies and Traffic Police, plus upcoming projects like the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link and Woodlands Checkpoint redevelopment to boost capacity.

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9 Jan 2023

Work Passes Issued under Manpower for Strategic Economic Priorities Scheme

The Manpower for Strategic Economic Priorities (M-SEP) scheme provides temporary foreign worker flexibilities to about 1,000 firms participating in key economic programs, such as Scale-Up SG, with firms required to commit to hiring or training local workers to support Singaporean talent development.
Ministers emphasized strict safeguards against abuse, including barring firms with poor employment practices, and clarified that the scheme is highly selective and time-limited, aimed at generating economic opportunities for Singaporeans without significantly impacting the overall foreign workforce ratio.
MPs raised concerns about the scheme's complexity, eligibility for smaller companies and professional service providers, and potential effects on local wages and job opportunities, with the government assuring that existing programs support local upskilling and that the scheme will be monitored and adjusted based on economic conditions.

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