Immigration & foreign manpower

1,361 debates and bills about immigration & foreign manpower

26 Jul 2021

COVID-19 Impact on Construction Costs and Estate Upgrading and Greening Plans

Construction costs in Singapore increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by higher foreign manpower costs from border measures, additional costs and reduced productivity from safe management measures, and rising material prices, though government support packages and legislative reliefs have mitigated some impacts.
Public sector construction and upgrading projects, including public housing, have seen higher tender prices, but the government will not pass these cost increases to flat buyers and is working to keep projects on track while ensuring quality and safety.
The demand for green buildings remains steady, as the cost premium for green certification is small relative to overall costs, and the government is committed to achieving its Singapore Green Plan 2030 targets, with the overall progress on track despite some potential delays.

Summary written by AI

6 Jul 2021

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim posed multiple questions about visa data under the India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and labour force statistics broken down by occupation.
The Minister for Manpower responded that the queries had already been addressed in Ministerial Statements from 6 July 2021, referencing an official report on Free Trade Agreements and Foreign Manpower.
No new data or breakdowns were provided in the exchange, with the response directing attention to previously released ministerial statements.
The debate highlighted parliamentary interest in tracking employment trends related to the agreement and occupational classification changes.

Summary written by AI

6 Jul 2021

The Government regularly reviews population strategies and confirmed they remain aligned with the Emerging Stronger Taskforce recommendations to support post-pandemic recovery.
Singaporeans remain central to population policies, with continued focus on marriage and parenthood, support for families, and strengthening the local workforce through upskilling and reskilling.
The Government will continue to tap global talent to complement local workers while ensuring fair hiring and refining foreign workforce policies to create more good jobs for Singaporeans.

Summary written by AI

6 Jul 2021

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked about the number of Dependant's Passes issued in the past year, why they were not immediately barred during a surge in imported COVID-19 cases, and whether they could be delinked from Work Permits for more agile border policy revisions.
Minister Tan See Leng explained that entry approvals are calibrated based on the risk levels of countries, and preventing Dependant's Pass holders from entering could discourage Work Pass holders from staying in Singapore, thereby worsening manpower shortages.
The Minister noted that border restrictions since 2020 have separated families, and while businesses support health measures, additional disruptions from stricter family entry rules would be counterproductive.

Summary written by AI

6 Jul 2021

Ministers Ong Ye Kung and Tan See Leng defended Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), especially the India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), stating they are fundamental to Singapore's economic survival and not the cause of job challenges faced by local professionals, managers, executives, and technicians (PMEs).
The ministers clarified that CECA does not allow an unfettered inflow of Indian professionals, explaining that immigration and work pass policies remain fully under Singapore's control and all foreign PMEs must meet local employment criteria.
They acknowledged genuine concerns about job competition, nationality concentration in some sectors, and unfair hiring practices, and outlined measures such as raising Employment Pass salary thresholds, enforcing fair employment frameworks, and supporting skills development for locals.
During the debate, some MPs and Nominated MPs raised issues about discrimination, requested more data on foreign manpower, and suggested stronger enforcement or legislation to protect local workers, with the ministers committing to review and strengthen existing frameworks.

Summary written by AI

6 Jul 2021

Members of Parliament raised questions on the economic benefits, job creation, and foreign workforce growth since the Singapore-India CECA, including effects on local employment and nationality-based discrimination.
The Minister for Manpower sought permission to address these oral questions together with written questions via upcoming ministerial statements, indicating a comprehensive government response on CECA's impact.
The debate highlighted concerns over FTAs' outcomes, foreign PMET numbers, local talent development schemes, and how CECA commitments compare with other agreements.

Summary written by AI

5 Jul 2021