Immigration & foreign manpower — Topics

21 Feb 2014

Measures to Ensure Sufficient Rest Breaks for Immigration Officers on Duty at Checkpoints

Mary Liew asked about measures to ensure immigration officers at checkpoints have sufficient rest breaks to prevent fatigue from long hours.
Teo Chee Hean explained that ICA officers work in shifts of seven to ten hours with meal and rest breaks, and an eight-day cycle with 42 to 44 total hours.
Supervisors monitor officers for fatigue, overtime is regulated, and fatigue management advice is regularly provided.
Manpower is reviewed periodically, and the last Organisational Health Survey in 2011 did not highlight fatigue as a concern.

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18 Feb 2014

PMET Job Vacancies Filled by Singaporeans

The Ministry of Manpower does not directly monitor hiring decisions but uses the Fair Consideration Framework to ensure companies advertise jobs locally and scrutinizes firms with low Singaporean PMET ratios, while relying on existing laws to address unfair dismissal.
Foreign workers complement the local workforce, and policies like adjusting S Pass and Employment Pass thresholds aim to discourage firms from favoring foreigners for cost reasons while keeping the economy healthy and job-competitive for Singaporeans.
Singaporeans can report suspected discriminatory practices to TAFEP for investigation, and the government supports job readiness through education, training programs, and job-matching services like CaliberLink.

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18 Feb 2014

Progress of Implementation of Population White Paper

The Prime Minister’s Office provided an update on the Population White Paper’s implementation, highlighting slowed population growth, tighter foreign worker policies, and infrastructure improvements.
Emphasis was placed on enhancing the Singaporean core through family support schemes, economic restructuring, and fair employment practices while managing foreign workforce inflows.
The Minister acknowledged the need for better integration of immigrants, outlining efforts across schools, employers, and community groups to foster social cohesion and mutual understanding.

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17 Feb 2014

Strength of Auxiliary Police Forces

The total strength of Singapore's auxiliary police forces is approximately 6,000 officers.
The majority of these officers are Singaporean citizens, with the rest primarily being Malaysian nationals.
The practice of employing Malaysians in auxiliary police roles began in the 1970s and continues today.

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17 Feb 2014

Monitoring Sentiment towards Foreign Migrants

Lawrence Wong responded to Tan Su Shan’s query by noting that negative sentiment toward foreign migrants is amplified by social media but is often countered by calls for calm.
He highlighted the need for public education and media literacy, with the government reviewing legal frameworks to protect against harassment online and offline.
Efforts to promote integration include the National Integration Council’s outreach, volunteerism, school programs, and partnerships with employers and civic groups to foster mutual understanding.
The government emphasized that balanced responses to incidents involving foreigners are key to maintaining social cohesion and mitigating negative emotions.

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17 Feb 2014

Time Extension for Fulfilling Government Building Contracts

Gan Thiam Poh asked if the Ministry can allow all government agencies to grant building contractors up to six months of time extension without imposing liquidated damages due to tightening foreign labour.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that measures like reducing the Man-Year Entitlement quota and raising foreign worker levies are intended to drive construction productivity and reduce reliance on foreign workers, with advance notice given to builders.
The Ministry provides alternatives such as MYE-waiver applications with higher levies and the Construction Productivity and Capability Fund to support contractors facing labour constraints.
Time extensions are already possible under standard contract provisions for justified delays, evaluated case-by-case while maintaining productivity and foreign worker reduction goals.

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17 Feb 2014

Setting Up Foreign Workers Fund to Improve Workers' Welfare

Ms Tan Su Shan proposed setting aside part of the Foreign Worker Levy to create a fund for improving foreign workers' welfare.
Minister Tan Chuan-Jin affirmed the government's commitment to foreign workers' welfare and explained that levy revenue already funds general expenditures, including foreign worker initiatives.
The government has implemented measures such as recreation centres, legal education, and infrastructure to support foreign workers, overseen by an Inter-Ministerial Committee.
The minister emphasized that caring for foreign workers aligns with Singapore's values and the needs of both locals and foreign workers.
No new fund was announced, as existing mechanisms already address welfare through integrated government spending.

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17 Feb 2014

Breach at Woodlands Checkpoint

The breach at Woodlands Checkpoint occurred when a vehicle evaded mandatory checks, which was enabled by officers failing to activate alarms promptly, and the incident was later misclassified by ground commanders as a minor immigration offence rather than a security breach, delaying a coordinated response.
Corrective measures include revising standard operating procedures to mandate treating all checkpoint breaches as high-priority security threats, enhancing joint drills and coordination between agencies, and using advanced technology and infrastructure to reduce reliance on officer reactions.
Disciplinary actions will be taken against officers involved, including redeploying ground commanders to non-operational posts, while the government has increased checkpoint manpower and clearance capacity over the years to manage high traveler volumes without compromising security.

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21 Jan 2014

Average and Median Ages of Newly Naturalised Citizens

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene requested the average and median ages of newly naturalised citizens for each year over the last decade.
Teo Chee Hean, speaking for the Prime Minister, stated that most new Singapore Citizens are working individuals and their dependants.
He noted that from 2003 to 2012, the mean age of new citizens ranged between 23 and 25 years, while the median age ranged between 27 and 29 years.
The age profile of new Singapore Citizens remained relatively stable during this period.

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21 Jan 2014

Employment of Non-Singaporeans by Civil Service and Public Agencies

Mrs Lina Chiam questioned whether non-Singaporeans are employed in key ministries and if policy roles should be reserved for citizens, citing concerns about non-citizens shaping policies affecting Singaporeans.
The Prime Minister’s office stated that less than 5% of staff in the mentioned ministries and statutory boards are non-Singaporeans, with none in key national policy formulation roles.
Singaporeans form the core of the public service workforce, and non-Singaporeans are typically hired for operational positions or roles requiring skills scarce among locals.

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21 Jan 2014

Singaporeans Who Previously Held Foreign Citizenship

Mrs Lina Chiam asked for the annual number of Singapore citizens who have held foreign citizenship between 1980 and 2012.
Teo Chee Hean explained that dual citizenship is not allowed in Singapore to ensure citizens' long-term commitment, but minors under 21 may hold foreign citizenship until they decide which to retain upon turning 21.
He noted that from 1987 to 2012, about 3,400 minors per year were granted Singapore citizenship while holding foreign citizenships, with data before 1987 unavailable.

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21 Jan 2014

Malaysians Taking on Blue Collar Jobs in Singapore

The Acting Minister for Manpower stated that about 15% of Malaysian Work Permit Holders in Singapore are in blue-collar jobs like plumbing and electrical work, and noted that measures like the Foreign Worker Levy and Dependency Ratio Ceiling help protect local wages by managing foreign worker costs and numbers.
Baey Yam Keng clarified that his concern was about self-employed informal workers such as freelance Malaysian plumbers and electricians who may not pay levies and could undercut local prices, questioning whether the Ministry can track and act against this illegal work.
Tan Chuan-Jin responded that any foreign worker without a valid work pass is illegal, with penalties including fines and imprisonment, and encouraged public reporting and industry awareness to combat such activities, as they harm local livelihoods.
Low Thia Khiang asked about enforcement against informal Malaysian workers on social visit passes, including roles like karang guni collectors and deliverymen, and expressed concern that some work permit holders in construction might be engaged in non-construction jobs, alleging that MOM might overlook these issues.
Tan Chuan-Jin acknowledged that illegal work by individuals on social visit passes occurs and relies on random checks and public complaints for enforcement, inviting Low to provide specific feedback on alleged lax enforcement for follow-up.

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20 Jan 2014

Independent Study to Examine Possible Social Tensions Faced by Foreign Workers

The Acting Minister for Manpower stated that the Ministry has already conducted independent surveys, including one in 2011 with 3,500 foreign workers and a 2013 survey of departing construction workers, which found high satisfaction rates and minimal employment issues.
The findings from these studies are publicly available on the Ministry's website, indicating a commitment to transparency.
The Ministry commits to continuing to monitor the situation and conduct periodic surveys as necessary to understand the experiences of foreign workers.

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20 Jan 2014

Allowing Long Term Visit Pass-Plus Holders to Register for SingPass Account

Ang Hin Kee proposed that Long Term Visit Pass-Plus (LTVP+) holders be allowed to register for SingPass to access more employment opportunities.
The Ministry of Manpower indicated an ongoing review to enhance public access for government transactions, potentially including LTVP+ holders.
The review aims to enable those without SingPass, such as LTVP+ holders, to conduct corporate transactions with government agencies.

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20 Jan 2014

Applications for Long Term Visit Pass-Plus (LTVP+)

Baey Yam Keng asked about the number of successful LTVP+ applicants and rejections of applicants with at least one Singaporean child.
Teo Chee Hean replied that about 7,500 foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens were granted LTVP+ from April 2012 to November 2013.
He explained that LTVP+ is part of the LTVP application process, with eligibility based on meeting specific criteria, and those with a Singaporean child are generally granted LTVP+ or LTVP.
A small group who do not meet the criteria may receive short-term visit passes until their family circumstances improve.

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20 Jan 2014

Foreign Worker Management

The government reaffirmed that foreign workers are vital to Singapore’s economy but their growth will be moderated to balance productivity, wage growth, and infrastructure needs, with no significant impact expected from the Little India riot.
Officials emphasized that surveys show high satisfaction among foreign workers, and cases of mistreatment are isolated (less than 1% of work permit holders), while rejecting claims of systemic abuse as unfounded.
Measures are being enhanced to improve foreign worker welfare, including more purpose-built dormitories, recreation centres, and education on social norms, alongside security reviews for areas where they congregate.
The Committee of Inquiry will comprehensively examine all possible factors behind the riot, including alcohol and social grievances, while ensuring transparency and fairness in its proceedings.
The government is considering alcohol control measures and other practical steps to manage public order, balancing enforceability with the need to avoid overly intrusive regulations.

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20 Jan 2014

Addressing Foreign Workforce Issues

Multiple MPs raised concerns about the concentration and congregation of foreign workers, particularly after the Little India riot, asking for improved security management, inter-agency coordination, and guidelines for public gatherings.
Questions focused on the adequacy and regulation of living conditions in dormitories and other accommodations, including the need for better amenities, social facilities, and standards for firms employing large numbers of foreign workers.
Several MPs inquired about measures to educate foreign workers on Singapore’s laws, culture, and employment rights, and to enhance their integration and assimilation.
There were calls to review the growth and recruitment of foreign workers, consider capping numbers, and assess the sustainability of their employment terms and living situations.
Suggestions were made to stagger rest days or implement flexi-arrangements for workers to reduce congestion in specific areas, and to ensure their access to public spaces and amenities.

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20 Jan 2014

Update on Little India Riot

Multiple Members of Parliament asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs about the causes, findings, and lessons from the 8 December 2013 Little India riot, including the timing and transparency of the Commission of Inquiry, public and media reactions, and measures to prevent recurrence without overreaction.
Questions focused on operational and security adjustments by law enforcement and SCDF, including the activation of the Special Operations Command, adequacy of SOC strength, and improvements to safety protocols for rescuers.
Several MPs inquired about alcohol-related policies, including restrictions, licensing, and enforcement in Little India and other areas, seeking details on violations, lessons learned, and sustainable measures to address public disorder linked to alcohol consumption.
Concerns were raised about multiracialism, the repatriation of riot-involved workers, and the objectivity of processes for deeming immigrants undesirable, alongside calls for transparency in the Committee of Inquiry’s composition and proceedings.

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12 Nov 2013

Impact of Tightened Foreign Worker Inflow on Pace of Public Infrastructure Developments

The government is progressing with major public infrastructure projects across housing, transport, healthcare, and aviation, with specific targets and timelines set for completions between 2014 and the 2030s.
Tightened foreign worker policies may temporarily affect construction time and costs, but the government is monitoring the industry and pressing ahead with efforts to improve productivity.
Despite potential short-term adjustments from foreign manpower measures, public infrastructure development plans are on track to support Singapore's growth as a regional hub.

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12 Nov 2013

Impact of Tightened Foreign Workers Inflow on Arts and Creative Industries

Ms Janice Koh raised concerns about how tightened foreign worker inflows affect the talent pool for arts and creative industries, and suggested policy refinements for modest pay scales and freelance work, as well as a special pass for foreign arts graduates.
The government explained that foreign workforce policies aim to drive productivity and are applied consistently, using fixed monthly salary as a key criterion for work pass eligibility to ensure quality and economic contribution.
While acknowledging the unique challenges in the arts sector, the government noted that flexibility for specific arts professionals is considered case-by-case with support from the National Arts Council.

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