Immigration & foreign manpower

Chua Kheng Wee Louis questioned the Minister for Manpower about the types of information collected by the i-SMART facial recognition system at the NESST Tukang migrant worker dormitory and its usage by various stakeholders. Tan See Leng responded that the system collects residents' facial recognition data, timestamps for entry and exit, and body temperature readings for access management and health monitoring. The collected personal information is restricted to NESST Singapore Limited and not shared with other stakeholders, except in cases of disease outbreaks where it may be shared with relevant authorities as per legal requirements.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the number of ASEAN Scholarship holders who have gained permanent residency or citizenship since the scholarship began in 1998, and the percentage this represents of all holders. Desmond Lee explained that the ASEAN Scholarship promotes mutual understanding among ASEAN countries, with graduates having the option to remain in Singapore and contribute to society. Many scholarship recipients continue their studies in Singapore, with about 70% of recent cohorts acquiring Permanent Residency or citizenship within five years after graduation. Remaining participants may still contribute to Singapore's economy or maintain connections as part of an overseas network.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the compliance rates of the National Childhood and Adolescent Immunisation Schedule for Singaporeans, foreign students, and Permanent Residents, as well as actions taken against non-compliance over the past decade. Ong Ye Kung reported that vaccination rates for measles and diphtheria among children under 12 in Singapore are high, with 2024 coverage rates of 93% and 97% for measles, and 89% and 95% for diphtheria at ages two and eleven, respectively. Foreign students must provide proof of vaccination or immunity documentation to the National Immunisation Registry for long-term immigration passes, which has helped maintain herd immunity against these diseases. There was no mention of actions taken against non-compliant parents.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat raised concerns about the impact of spousal employment difficulties on the attrition of foreign academics and researchers at Singapore's autonomous universities. Desmond Lee stated that the universities aim to attract top talent and confirmed that foreign spouses have access to various work passes, including Employment Pass and S Pass. He mentioned that spouses on Dependant's Pass can work with a Letter of Consent, and that the universities provide support for spouses in finding employment, including job openings and guidance on work pass requirements.

He Ting Ru asked about the social service sector's progress toward meeting the manpower needs for an additional 2,000 professionals by 2029 and the potential impact of increased qualifying salaries for S Pass and Employment Pass holders. Masagos Zulkifli confirmed the sector is on track, supported by initiatives like scholarships, training sponsorships, competitive salary reviews, and campaigns to promote social service careers. He added that the salary increase for pass holders is not expected to significantly affect manpower growth in the sector.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Home Affairs about reports of Singaporeans serving in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the government's stance on this issue. The Minister, K Shanmugam, clarified that there is currently no substantiated evidence that Singaporeans have served in the IDF and reaffirmed that participation in foreign armed conflicts is against Singaporean laws. The government has mechanisms to investigate and address cases of unauthorized military involvement, including potential prosecution and deprivation of citizenship for dual citizens. The Minister also stated that efforts have been made to verify these reports with Israeli authorities, although responses may be difficult to obtain due to differing national laws on dual citizenship.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat raised questions regarding the restrictions on part-time employment for Dependant Pass (DP) holders studying in local educational institutions. Tan See Leng clarified that DP holders can work only if the job is part of their course requirements and must obtain a Letter of Consent. The policy is designed to support educational obligations and does not consider the prevalence of foreign manpower in relevant sectors.

Gho Sze Kee raised concerns about the potential for the lower levy for Training Work Permit (TWP) holders to encourage misuse by employers deploying them in non-training roles. Tan See Leng explained that the TWP is a short-term pass for foreign trainees and students, with several safeguards in place, such as the requirement for trainees to be from related overseas companies and the non-renewable six-month validity for foreign students. TWP holders are also subject to Dependency Ratio Ceilings and higher skilled Work Permit levy rates. The number of TWP holders is low, and employers abusing the scheme face penalties and possible disbarment from hiring foreign workers.

Valerie Lee asked about the proportion of migrant workers in specific sectors living in purpose-built dormitories near recreational centres and measures for affordable goods and services. Tan See Leng responded that 22% of non-Malaysian migrant workers in the construction, marine, and processing sectors reside in such dormitories within one kilometre of a recreation centre. Free shuttle services are available to improve access to these centres. Operators of recreation centres are obligated to maintain reasonable prices and receive funding based on meeting annual visitorship targets.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked about government spending from consolidated revenue on safer transport for migrant workers traveling to work sites over the past three years. Jeffrey Siow responded that tax revenues, including foreign worker levies, are not earmarked for specific purposes. He emphasized that the Government will continue to collaborate with industry and NGOs to enhance the safety of transport for workers.

Hamid Razak requested information from the Minister for Manpower regarding the number of work permit holders terminated within six months of employment over the last five years, including sector breakdown and reasons for termination. Tan See Leng provided data showing the proportion of Work Permits canceled within six months between 2021 and 2025, noting that the primary reason is employment termination. The Ministry does not track specific termination reasons, although common reasons include worker unsuitability and personal circumstances requiring return home.

He Ting Ru raised concerns regarding the finding that over 31% of Work Permit holders do not have access to their passports and asked the Ministry of Manpower about measures to prevent violations of the Passports Act. Tan See Leng emphasized that retaining migrant workers' passports is prohibited and that the Ministry takes this issue seriously. The Ministry employs multiple channels to inform migrant workers of their rights and to encourage reporting of passport retention violations, including the Settling-In Programme and communication through apps and social media. Most employers return the passports after intervention, and the Ministry will take enforcement actions, including debarment, against non-compliant employers.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Prime Minister about skill gaps among Singaporeans in roles filled by S Pass and Employment Pass holders in Statutory Boards and Government agencies. Chan Chun Sing responded that the Government is continuously reviewing the skills needed by public officers to meet evolving demands, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and sustainability. He highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance officers' skills through formal training, attachments, secondments, and practical learning. The Government is committed to investing in the capabilities of public officers to ensure the public service remains relevant and prepared for the future.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat raised questions regarding the assessment of quota circumvention through phantom worker arrangements and the potential abolition of nationality-based quotas in favor of a flat per-worker tax for local upskilling. Tan See Leng responded that the Ministry of Manpower investigates phantom worker issues via complaints and checks, leading to enforcement actions against around 100 employers for quota fraud. He stated that using Dependency Ratio Ceilings (DRCs) is essential for controlling foreign workforce numbers while linking foreign worker entitlement to local employment, which helps maintain a local workforce core. The Ministry has tightened DRC requirements to encourage automation and localization, resulting in positive trends in local employment and wage growth over the past five years.

Choo Pei Ling raised concerns about workforce sustainability in Singapore's healthcare sector amid rising demand and competition. Dr. Koh Poh Koon emphasized a multi-faceted strategy to build a local healthcare workforce, enhance training pathways, and improve job appeal while integrating foreign workers to address shortages. To reduce workload stress, the ministry is shifting towards team-based care and redefining roles for better distribution of responsibilities among healthcare professionals. Retention of mid-career and senior staff is prioritized through competitive salaries, career progression, and support systems, while aligning workforce planning with healthcare transformation efforts. Cai Yinzhou questioned the professionalization of foreign domestic workers in palliative and geriatric care, but Dr. Koh clarified there are no plans to formally transition them into healthcare roles.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Prime Minister about the number of Employment Pass holders employed in statutory boards and government agencies, and the common roles they occupy. Chan Chun Sing responded that there are approximately 2,700 Employment Pass holders in these sectors. These individuals typically fill positions that require skills that are lacking in the local workforce, particularly in engineering and information technology.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the deportation statistics for Employment Pass, S Pass, and Work Permit holders in 2025, including the number of appeals and their outcomes. K Shanmugam responded that around 2,500 foreign nationals were deported for criminal offenses or undesirable presence in Singapore. Seventeen appeals were made regarding deportations, but none were successful, and details on the appeal decisions were not disclosed.

Yip Hon Weng inquired about the Ministry of Health's review of TB screening requirements for long-term pass holders and frequent travelers in light of rising regional TB cases. Ong Ye Kung noted that TB is endemic in the region, making screening for short-term visitors impractical due to potential deterrence. For long-term pass applicants, a risk-based approach is used, requiring screening for active TB disease except for selected Employment Pass applicants, who submit a medical declaration instead. All TB cases are notifiable and subject to treatment, with special focus on protecting young children through vaccination. The Communicable Diseases Agency will continue to evaluate screening measures in line with epidemiological trends.

Jessica Tan Soon Neo raised concerns about the staffing challenges faced by hawkers and small food and beverage operators, suggesting that more graduated arrangements for foreign manpower and levy thresholds should be considered to meet their needs while ensuring fair wages. Dr. Koh Poh Koon acknowledged the unique challenges for small F&B operators and highlighted current policies that allow some flexibility in hiring foreign workers, emphasizing the importance of productivity over headcount. He pointed out that enhancing productivity through government support schemes is crucial for the sustainability of small operators. Tan reiterated the struggles faced by individual hawkers who work long hours and suggested that the Ministry should analyze their data to better support them. Koh concluded that while considering headcount is important, there is a broader conversation about food authenticity and business models that needs to be addressed.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik inquired about the proportion of Singapore citizens applying for bus captain positions since the launch of the Public Bus Industry Manpower Plan (PBIMP) in 2016. Jeffrey Siow explained that the PBIMP was aimed at strengthening the local workforce in the public transport sector, with initiatives like better pay and improved working conditions introduced by bus operators. From 2021 to 2025, the proportion of applications from Singapore citizens ranged from 25% to 50%, but it's not meaningful to compare this directly to previous years since data on prior applications was not tracked and foreign applications depend on local recruitment and quotas.