Immigration & foreign manpower

Elysa Chen asked about the number of unauthorised CPF contributions to non-employees detected by the Government over the past three years. Tan See Leng responded that there have been approximately 2,000 reports each year regarding such contributions made by businesses. These reports are investigated by relevant agencies for potential violations, including circumvention of foreign worker quotas and government support schemes, leading to enforcement actions as necessary.

Elysa Chen asked about the enforcement measures against companies that manipulate CPF contributions to locals not in their employment for inflated foreign worker quotas. Tan See Leng responded that the Ministry of Manpower actively detects these violations using data analytics, inspections, and investigations of complaints. Companies caught may incur fines up to $20,000 per work pass application linked to the inflated quota and can be barred from hiring foreign workers. Additionally, phantom workers colluding with these companies may also face penalties.

Fadli Fawzi requested data on the number of Malays granted Permanent Residency and citizenship in Singapore since 2010. K Shanmugam explained that such data by nationality or ethnicity is not published, but the ethnic mix of Singapore's citizenship population is reported annually. He emphasized the importance of immigration to counter Singapore’s low birth rates, which could lead to challenges in meeting national security and economic needs. The government prioritizes supporting Singaporean families in having children while also managing immigration and integration efforts.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the number of individuals granted permanent residency under the Global Investor Programme (GIP) from 2015 to 2025, along with investment breakdowns by options and industry sectors. Ms. Gan Siow Huang indicated that approximately 450 individuals received permanent residency, with investments distributed among the three options: 50% in business entities, 40% in GIP-select funds, and 10% in Single Family Offices. A total of S$500 million was invested in business entities, predominantly in Professional Services, Info-Communications, and Financial Services, alongside S$430 million in GIP funds. Fadli also raised supplementary questions regarding the citizenship application rates, retention rates, and changes in GIP applicant profiles due to recent modifications, but Ms. Gan stated that further data on those aspects was not immediately available.

The Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr. Lawrence Wong, addressed concerns during the Debate on the Annual Budget Statement regarding the DRC (Differentiated Responsibility Criterion) for Food and Beverage (F&B) workers. He indicated that lowering the DRC could result in many F&B foreign workers taking on non-F&B jobs in Singapore. A clarification statement was issued to correct the wording in his earlier reply, changing "lower" to "looser" in relation to the DRC.

He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Manpower for data on the percentage of work permits cancelled before their expiry dates over the past five years and the breakdown of cancellations by six-month intervals. Tan See Leng responded that work permits can be cancelled for various reasons and indicated that approximately one third of work permits are cancelled before renewal. A detailed breakdown of cancellations was provided in a table.

Fadli Fawzi asked if the Government would mandate proof of vaccination for all pass holders against diseases listed in the Infectious Diseases Act. Ong Ye Kung responded that the Act requires parents or guardians to ensure children are vaccinated against diphtheria and measles. Additionally, foreign-born children under 12 applying for long-term passes must provide vaccination proof or immunity evidence to the National Immunisation Registry.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat raised concerns about the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) application policy for foreign spouses of lower-income elderly Singaporeans, questioning how it prevents a situation where inadequate income prevents spouses from working. K Shanmugam explained that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) considers multiple factors in LTVP assessments, such as marriage duration, children, financial sustainability, and any declared caregiving needs. He emphasized the importance of couples understanding the possibility of obtaining long-term stay for foreign partners before marriage. Each application aims to ensure it does not impose additional financial burdens on Singaporean taxpayers.

Hazlina Abdul Halim asked about the impact of Employment Pass (EP) qualifying salaries and foreign workforce policies on skills gaps and wage growth. Tan See Leng responded that these policies have enhanced Singapore's competitiveness, leading to good job creation and income growth, with real median income rising by 4.1% in 2025. The resident unemployment rate has been stable at around 3%, and there has been significant growth in higher-skilled jobs, with 357,000 more residents in PMET roles over the past decade. The Ministry of Manpower regularly reviews foreign workforce policies to ensure they complement the local workforce, including updating the COMPASS Shortage Occupation List to reflect changes in skills demand.

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked for the annual data on the companies on the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) watchlist from 2015 to 2025, including sector breakdown and any sector-level measures for underperforming sectors. Tan See Leng responded that the FCF watchlist, established in 2016, identified companies with high reliance on foreign PMETs, with nearly 1,000 firms recorded by 2023, primarily in the ICT, professional services, and construction sectors. The watchlist was discontinued in 2023 with the introduction of the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), which now incorporates FCF criteria. The Ministry collaborates with the labor movement to assist companies in improving local hiring practices and workforce development through initiatives like Company Training Committees and workshops.

Christopher de Souza asked about the factors influencing the renewal of work permits for Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) and the measures in place to expedite the process. Tan See Leng explained that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) considers the employer's capability to maintain the MDW and the MDW's age during renewal applications. Eligible employers receive a renewal letter about two months before the work permit expires and must secure a bond and insurance. The renewal application is approved immediately once MOM receives the necessary information from the bank or insurance company, which takes up to three working days.

Yip Hon Weng asked about MMR vaccination outreach for long-term foreign residents, measures for detecting imported cases, and the thresholds for reconsidering border surveillance in light of recent travel-related cases. Ong Ye Kung responded that since February 2019, foreign-born children under 12 and certain workers must be vaccinated against measles to obtain long-term immigration passes. Measles is notifiable, with investigations and public health actions initiated for reported cases, and Singapore's high vaccination rates currently mitigate the need for border measures.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik questioned the existence of nationality-based restrictions or quotas for Long-Term Visit Pass applications for foreign spouses, along with approval and rejection rates by nationality over the past five years. K Shanmugam responded that several factors influence the approval of these applications, including marriage length, children from the marriage, financial support capacity, and any adverse records. Detailed criteria and nationality-based approval rates are not published to protect international relations and prevent potential exploitation of the system.

Dr. Koh Poh Koon, the Senior Minister of State for Health, detailed measures taken to enhance national health safety, including alerts to healthcare practitioners and heightened monitoring at migrant worker onboarding centers. Incoming individuals exhibiting symptoms will be proactively managed through isolation and supportive care, with guidance to monitor symptoms based on prior exposure to at-risk areas. The Minister indicated that it is premature to focus on vaccine targets at this time. A correction was later issued regarding the monitoring guidance for newcomers.

Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Manpower about the number of migrant domestic workers who reported physical and sexual assault cases against their employers over the past five years, along with outcomes like prosecutions and convictions. Tan See Leng responded that all reported cases are investigated by the Police, with an average of around 300 reports of abuse annually from 2021 to September 2025, mostly found to be unsubstantiated. During this period, 30 employers were prosecuted, 14 were convicted and permanently banned from hiring migrant domestic workers, and about 70 employers received warnings each year.

Liang Eng Hwa asked if the Ministry of Manpower would consider raising the renewal age limit for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) beyond 60 for those who have worked with the same family for 20 years or more. Tan See Leng acknowledged that employers value the experience of MDWs and may wish to retain them past the age limit. The Ministry maintains the age limit to address the demands of household needs and increasing medical costs with age but may approve work permit renewals on appeal, considering the MDW's health, experience, and the employer's needs.

Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked about the criteria that disqualify individuals from hiring migrant domestic workers, specifically regarding individuals with criminal convictions for violent offenses. Tan See Leng stated that employers can be debarred from hiring migrant domestic workers for serious offences against them, including physical or sexual abuse and non-payment of salary. The debarment period depends on the severity of the offenses, and the Ministry of Manpower assesses the household's suitability before allowing re-hiring. Serious offenders may face permanent debarment.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis requested data on Employment Pass applications granted below the qualifying salary over the past ten years, categorized by industry sector, along with the factors influencing such flexibility. Tan See Leng highlighted that qualifying salaries for Employment Passes have risen from $3,300 to $5,600 between 2016 and 2025, with a slight increase in approved applications. The Ministry of Manpower collaborates with other agencies to offer targeted flexibilities aimed at supporting Singapore's economic goals, including job creation for locals.

Eileen Chong Pei Shan questioned the Minister for Manpower about available mental health support services for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) beyond helplines and requested data on their usage over the past five years. Tan See Leng responded that the Ministry of Manpower employs a comprehensive strategy for mental health support, including pre-emptive measures through settling-in programs, medical examinations, and welfare checks by employment agencies. NGOs, such as the Centre for Domestic Employees, provide additional support through interviews, recreational activities, and a 24/7 helpline. He mentioned the Care Sisters initiative, which trains MDWs to offer peer support, while noting that data on MDWs' use of services is not collected but a study indicated many were able to seek help for emotional issues.

Diana Pang Li Yen raised concerns about monitoring congregation hotspots of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) on rest days and addressing complaints related to noise and littering. Tan See Leng stated that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) actively monitors these hotspots and collaborates with local agencies to mitigate issues while considering FDWs' recreational needs. Since 2025, pilot community spaces have been introduced in Clementi and Paya Lebar to offer FDWs conducive resting areas, along with recreational activities organized by NGOs. MOM plans to expand alternative gathering spaces for FDWs while emphasizing the need for consideration of shared public spaces.