Immigration & foreign manpower — Topics

17 Aug 2015

Racial and Religious Discrimination in Workplace

The Ministry of Manpower reported an average of fewer than 80 annual complaints about race-, language-, and religion-based workplace discrimination over the past five years, with most employers rectifying practices when engaged by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP).
TAFEP and MOM use a promotional and capability-building approach to change employer mindsets, coupled with enforcement such as stern warnings and work pass curtailment for non-compliant cases, like the nine actions taken in 2014.
While current measures are seen as effective, concerns were raised about under-reporting of discrimination, challenges in proving subtle cases, and the need for clearer recourse options for victims beyond work pass curtailment for nationality-based issues.
MOM highlighted additional steps under the Fair Consideration Framework and National Jobs Bank to address discrimination, emphasizing a firm stance against all forms of workplace discrimination and the importance of factual accuracy in social media cases.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jul 2015

Medical Insurance and Hospitalisation of Foreign Domestic Workers

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Manpower for data on foreign domestic workers hospitalised over the last three years and how many had bills exceeding $15,000, and what could be done to encourage insurers to offer higher medical benefits.
Lim Swee Say stated that employers are required to bear the medical costs of foreign domestic workers and must purchase a minimum insurance cover of $15,000, with the option to buy higher coverage voluntarily.
He noted that in the past three years, 120 bills (about 2%) for day surgery and inpatient treatment at public hospitals exceeded $15,000, indicating the current minimum cover is sufficient for 98% of such bills.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jul 2015

Monitoring Growth of Foreign Workers

The Minister for Manpower reported that foreign worker growth has slowed significantly over the past eight years, with annual growth dropping from 144,500 in 2007 to 34,000 in 2014, and this moderation occurred across all sectors including services, construction, and manufacturing.
Projections indicate that by 2030, Singapore will need approximately 78,000 healthcare professionals, an additional 9,000 support care staff, and about 300,000 foreign domestic workers to address the needs of an ageing population.
The government aims to maintain the foreign share of the workforce at about one-third and intends to moderate foreign manpower inflows at a pace that can be accommodated, aligning growth with the local workforce.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jul 2015

Review on Effectiveness of Foreign Worker Levies

Yeo Guat Kwang questioned whether foreign worker levies have shifted from their original purpose to merely reducing company margins and asked if removing them would benefit the local workforce, while also seeking support plans for businesses, especially SMEs.
The Minister for Manpower explained that levies, alongside quotas, help manage foreign worker demand, encourage productivity, and protect local workers' wages, noting that removing them could suppress local salaries and reduce investment in technology.
The Minister added that various government schemes, such as SPRING’s Innovation and Capability Voucher and lower levies for skilled workers, assist firms, particularly SMEs, in adapting to manpower challenges and improving productivity.
Nominated Member Thomas Chua inquired about the specific sectors that received foreign workers in 2014 and what portion went to SMEs, following a noted decline in foreign worker growth from 2011 to 2014.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Jul 2015

Approved Purpose-built Dormitories for Foreign Workers in Services Sector

Mr Zainal Sapari asked whether the Ministry for Manpower can allow foreign workers in the services sector to live in approved purpose-built dormitories, similar to those available for the construction and marine sectors.
Lim Swee Say clarified that commercial purpose-built dormitories managed by BCA, HDB, and JTC already allow Work Permit holders from all industrial sectors, including services, to occupy up to 25% of each dormitory’s capacity.
Businesses with specific housing needs can approach the relevant dormitory overseeing agencies to arrange accommodation for their foreign workers in these facilities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Jul 2015

Citizenship for PRs with Singaporean Children and Grandchildren

Gan Thiam Poh proposed allowing PRs over 60 who have lived in Singapore for over 20 years and have Singaporean children or grandchildren to be eligible for citizenship, and giving priority to foreign spouses of SCs with three or more Singaporean children.
Teo Chee Hean stated that elderly parents of SCs can be sponsored for citizenship based on criteria like the sponsor's SC status, the elderly parent's residence length, and financial ability, but grandparents cannot be sponsored.
He added that foreign spouses of SCs may apply for PR or citizenship under the Family Ties Scheme, with assessments considering the sponsor's ability to support the family, length of marriage, and whether the couple has children, though more children do not guarantee higher priority.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Jul 2015

Statistics on Relationship Profile of Permanent Residents

Gan Thiam Poh asked for statistics over the past five years on the number and percentage of PRs and new PRs who are spouses or siblings of Singapore citizens, and whether the zero growth rate for PRs will be maintained despite increasing marriages between Singaporeans and foreigners.
Teo Chee Hean, responding for the Prime Minister, stated that from 2010 to 2014, an average of 4,000 spouses of Singapore citizens were granted PR annually under the Family Ties Scheme, with 62,100 such spouses holding PR as of end-2014, while marriages between Singaporeans and foreigners have remained stable at around 6,700 per year.
He clarified that the figures exclude spouses who obtained PR on their own merits or were already PRs before marriage, and that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority does not track PRs who are siblings of citizens, as siblings are not eligible under the Family Ties Scheme and are assessed individually.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Jul 2015

Length of Stay for Foreign Students Given Tuition Grants to Study in Singapore

Mrs Lina Chiam asked about the number of foreign students receiving tuition grants in 2014, employment statistics for graduates from 2011 to 2014 by faculty, and their options to stay or leave Singapore.
Heng Swee Keat stated that about 3,650 international students in the 2014 cohort received tuition grants, and most either work in Singapore or have deferred service obligations.
Faculty-level employment data is not available, but on average 80% of grant recipients are working or have deferred service, with career guidance provided by institutions.
International students seeking employment can apply for a one-year Long-Term Visit Pass with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority after graduation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Jul 2015

Employers who Pay CPF Contributions for Phantom Local Workers

Mr K Karthikeyan asked the Minister for Manpower for the number of employers who paid CPF contributions for phantom local workers to inflate their foreign worker quota from 2011 to 2014.
Lim Swee Say responded that from 2011 to 2014, MOM took enforcement action against 90 employers for illegally inflating their foreign worker quota by making CPF contributions to locals who did not work for their companies.
Errant employers face financial penalties of up to $20,000 per work pass application made using the inflated quota and may be debarred from hiring foreign workers for 12 months or more, depending on the severity of the case.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Jul 2015

Drop in Job Growth in First Quarter of 2015

The sharp drop in job growth in the first quarter of 2015 was attributed to seasonal declines, moderation in manufacturing and construction, and slower growth in services sectors, though the overall year-on-year job growth remained positive at 2.7%.
The Manpower Minister emphasized that Singapore's high employment rate, low unemployment, and high job vacancies indicate a tight labor market, and the focus is on restructuring the economy towards productivity and innovation rather than relying on foreign labor growth.
Concerns were raised about whether the slowdown signals that restructuring is too slow, but the Minister argued that faster restructuring would further slow job growth and that the transition is necessary for long-term sustainability, with support for businesses in both tradable and non-tradable sectors.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Jul 2015

Requirement for Employers to Consider Qualified Singaporeans before Applying for Employment Pass for Foreigners

The Ministry of Manpower is enhancing the Fair Consideration Framework and Jobs Bank to ensure employers give priority to qualified Singaporeans, with stricter scrutiny of Employment Pass applications for companies with a weak Singaporean Core.
Companies with a weaker Singaporean Core relative to their industry will be required to provide evidence of fair hiring practices and may need to commit to plans to strengthen their local workforce.
The government will use data from the Jobs Bank to identify skills deficits and work with industries to address them, while also profiling and promoting companies with strong Singaporean cores and progressive employment practices.
Only a small group of employers with a “double weak” profile (weak Singaporean Core and weak commitment to fair consideration) will face tighter EP approval processes, to maintain Singapore’s competitiveness and attractiveness to businesses.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 May 2015

Workers Retrenched in 2014

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Manpower for a breakdown of the 12,930 workers laid off in 2014 by citizenship and Permanent Resident status, and for data on retrenchment benefits received by residents.
Lim Swee Say responded that 7,240 (56%) of those laid off were residents, a proportion lower than their two-thirds share of the workforce, and noted that data on specific retrenchment benefit amounts is not available.
The Minister added that the government and tripartite partners are assisting laid-off locals with reskilling and noted the low resident long-term unemployment rate of 0.6%.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 May 2015

Rental of Properties by Foreign Workers

Seah Kian Peng raised queries on regulations for foreign workers renting properties, including the powers of public officers to enter premises, enforcement statistics, eviction numbers, and measures for reporting suspected overcrowding.
Lim Swee Say explained that property owners and employers must comply with guidelines from URA, HDB, and MOM, including occupancy limits and fire safety standards, with agencies empowered to conduct inspections and investigations even after denied entry.
HDB and URA investigate and enforce rules on illegal rentals and overcrowding, while MOM holds employers accountable, and residents are encouraged to report suspicions to relevant authorities for action.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 May 2015

Reviewing and Uplifting Conditions of Foreign Worker Dwellings in Geylang

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef queried whether there is a comprehensive, multi-agency plan to improve foreign worker housing conditions in Geylang’s Lorongs 1 to 42.
The government confirmed existing rules regulate rental properties to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety, with penalties for violations under the Planning Act and Fire Safety Act.
Employers must house foreign workers in compliant conditions under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, with penalties for breaches.
Agencies like MOM, SCDF, SPF, and URA conduct joint inspections in Geylang, having checked over 600 units recently, and will continue targeted enforcement.
Public awareness efforts include notices in Geylang and advisory letters to employers to promote compliance with housing rules.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 May 2015

Checks on Educational Credentials of S Pass and Employment Pass Applicants

The Ministry of Manpower assesses S Pass and Employment Pass applications based on declared qualifications, work experience, and salary, with employers primarily responsible for verifying the authenticity of academic credentials.
MOM conducts additional checks including internal database reviews, third-party screenings, direct verification with institutions, and requires employers to provide proof of verification to detect forged qualifications.
Applicants found submitting forged documents face fines up to $20,000, imprisonment up to two years, and a bar from working in Singapore; qualifications from unaccredited institutions are disregarded entirely and require stricter criteria for eligibility.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 May 2015

Educational Qualifications of Persons Applying for Permanent Residence or Citizenship

Mr Png Eng Huat asked the ICA about the universities declared by new citizens and PRs from 2010 to 2014, how ICA verifies educational qualifications, and whether ICA maintains a list of suspected degree mills.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs responded that PR and SC applications are evaluated on multiple criteria including economic contributions and qualifications, not solely on education, and that declared qualifications come from both Singaporean and foreign institutions.
ICA conducts multi-level checks including requiring original documents, verifying with overseas authorities, and conducting interviews, and takes firm legal action against false information in applications.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 May 2015

Sanctions against Employers who Withhold Wages for Foreign Employees

The Minister for Manpower highlighted that the Employment Act protects both local and foreign workers, with employers required to pay wages within seven days after the salary period, and violations can lead to fines, imprisonment, or suspension of foreign hiring privileges.
Following 2014 amendments, penalties were increased with mandatory minimum fines of $3,000 for first-time offenders and $6,000 for repeat offenders, and enforcement was strengthened, including 645 employers actioned last year, 49 prosecuted.
The Ministry clarified that of 1,630 Labour Court cases last year, two-thirds received full payment, while one-third faced partial or no payment due to financial issues, with 20% of employers unable to pay.
To address gaps, the Employment Claims Tribunals will be established by year-end to help workers not covered under the Employment Act, and the Ministry is exploring holistic enhancements to worker protection.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Apr 2015

Employment of Eligible Singaporeans at Autonomous Universities

Lim Biow Chuan proposed that autonomous universities receiving government funding should prioritize hiring eligible Singaporeans and require their human resource departments to be headed by Singaporeans to ensure fair consideration for local applicants.
The Ministry of Education emphasized that academic hiring is based on merit and follows established non-discriminatory processes, while also highlighting initiatives like the Singapore Academic and Research Talent Scheme to develop local academic talent.
Lim expressed concern that the current merit-based approach might lead to a disproportionate number of foreign hires in universities, similar to banking, and suggested applying tripartite fair employment guidelines to academia.
The Senior Minister of State agreed on the need for a strong Singaporean academic core but cautioned against micromanagement, noting that most university HR heads are already Singaporeans and that policy must balance local talent development with global expertise.
Following a question about low Singaporean representation at NUS Yale-NUS College, the ministry stated it would monitor the institution, which is not classified as an autonomous university, as it develops.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Apr 2015

Foreign Students Accepting Permanent Residency and Converting to Citizens

Mr Png Eng Huat asked for statistics on foreign students offered PR after Secondary 1 or later, including those who accepted, became citizens, or renounced their status between 2001 and 2014.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs replied that around 7,000 foreign students were granted PR, with 840 (12%) becoming citizens, 1% renouncing PR, and none renouncing citizenship.
Mr Png questioned the intention of giving PR to young foreigners without roots in Singapore versus other options like work bonds or fast-tracking PR for foreign spouses with Singaporean children or long-term residents.
The Minister explained that this scheme is one of many routes to PR, with the majority of PRs in this age group coming through family ties, and defended the approach by noting these students are better integrated through Singapore’s education system.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Mar 2015

Committee of Supply – Head U (Prime Minister's Office)

The debate centered on maintaining public trust through effective governance, with discussions on anti-corruption measures, such as strengthening the CPIB and reviewing the Anti-Corruption Act, to address a decline in trust levels.
Speakers addressed the need for a Singaporean core in the workforce and population, emphasizing policies to support marriage, parenthood, immigration, and the integration of overseas Singaporeans and foreign spouses.
The government outlined initiatives to improve career progression for non-graduates and lower-wage civil servants, including a unified management scheme and regular salary adjustments, while also discussing the Smart Nation initiative and financial literacy programs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source