Immigration & foreign manpower — Topics

12 Nov 2013

Renewal of Employment Passes for Foreign Workers

R Dhinakaran asked for the number and breakdown of non-renewed Employment Passes in the first half of the year and the industries affected.
The Acting Minister reported that about 2,600 EPs were not renewed, with over half being Q1 Pass holders, primarily in Wholesale and Retail Trade, Professional Services, and Information and Communications, due to tightened qualifying criteria.
Dhinakaran inquired if companies were complaining about the tight labour market and considering relocating, which could hurt local employment.
The Minister acknowledged concerns from both local and foreign firms but emphasized Singapore’s broader competitiveness and the government’s calibrated approach to productivity-led growth.
The overall message stressed the need for tightening foreign labour policies to support a more productivity-focused and manpower-lean economic model.

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11 Nov 2013

Supply of Dormitories for Foreign Workers

Sitoh Yih Pin asked whether there will be sufficient dormitories for foreign workers, noting his interest as a director of a company involved in dormitory construction.
Khaw Boon Wan said the government is increasing dormitory supply by releasing new sites and facilitating development to meet current and future demand.
He also noted that not all foreign workers stay in dormitories, as they can be housed in converted industrial properties, site quarters, or rent HDB and private apartments.
The government aims to reduce over-concentration of foreign workers in HDB estates by promoting purpose-built dormitories.
The overall approach seeks to balance housing needs with community integration.

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11 Nov 2013

Violation of Student Pass Conditions

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired about the demographic breakdown of Student Pass holders, the number of passes cancelled for violations, and whether students involved with married Singaporean men would be repatriated.
Teo Chee Hean stated that as of end-June 2013, there were 80,000 Student Pass holders with a balanced gender split, primarily from nearby and North Asian countries.
He confirmed that violating Student Pass conditions can lead to cancellation and repatriation, and ICA will act if proof is provided of a student breaking up a Singaporean family.
Over the past three years, about 100 students annually (0.1%) had passes cancelled or not renewed, mainly due to illegal employment or offences like theft.

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11 Nov 2013

Criteria Used to Determine Content of Singapore Citizenship Journey

The Singapore Citizenship Journey is a mandatory programme comprising online modules, experiential learning at key sites, and community sharing sessions to help new citizens understand Singapore's society, values, and responsibilities.
Its content is determined by criteria focused on helping new citizens adapt to the Singaporean way of life and relate better to fellow citizens, covering history, institutions, social norms, and community relations.
The government continuously updates the content to meet these objectives, with ongoing consideration for topics like Singapore's Constitution and democratic norms during reviews.

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11 Nov 2013

Impact of Tightened Foreign Worker Quotas on SMEs

The government has tightened foreign worker quotas since 2010 to shift towards a more manpower-lean economy, but has received 19,000 appeals from SMEs for pass renewals, approving about 48% with temporary concessions to aid their transition.
SMEs make up 99% of enterprises and contribute significantly to employment and GDP, prompting active engagement to address their manpower challenges and rising costs.
To help SMEs retain experienced foreign workers, the government introduced a market-based skills framework in 2013, allowing certain work permit holders to gain skilled status and stay longer while reducing levy costs.
Despite tighter foreign worker restrictions, many SMEs have expanded overseas, with over half reporting overseas revenue in 2012, showing continued growth opportunities.

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11 Nov 2013

Capstone Project at End of Singapore Citizenship Journey

Pritam Singh inquired about introducing a capstone project for potential citizens at the end of the Singapore Citizenship Journey.
Lawrence Wong responded that integration is a long-term process influenced by daily community experiences, not a single program.
He emphasized the SCJ's current focus on ongoing integration through community ties and personal involvement, which is more sustainable than a mandatory capstone project.

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11 Nov 2013

Findings of Inter-agency Task Force on Trafficking in Persons

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, established in 2010, has implemented a National Plan of Action focusing on prevention, protection, partnership, and prosecution, with measures like border controls, public awareness grants, and victim support services.
Senior Minister of State Masagos Zulkifli confirmed the need for dedicated anti-trafficking legislation and supported Christopher de Souza’s proposal to co-develop a private Member’s Bill, committing inter-agency collaboration including MHA, MOM, MOH, and MSF.
The government outlined current efforts such as prosecuting six offenders to date and evolving victim support, while Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon raised concerns about Special Passes and visa abuses, with plans to table the new Bill within a year.

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21 Oct 2013

Daily Average of Non-residents in Singapore over Past 12 Months

Gan Thiam Poh requested a daily average breakdown of non-residents in Singapore over the past 12 months across nine categories, including social visit pass holders, dependants, students, work pass holders, and tourists.
Tan Chuan-Jin responded that daily statistics fluctuate, so he provided end-June 2013 figures instead, noting a total non-resident population of 1.55 million.
The breakdown included 1.26 million international visitor arrivals in June 2013, with further details on the specific categories omitted in the provided debate excerpt.

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21 Oct 2013

Use of Population Planning Parameter of 6.9 Million by 2030 in Development of New HDB Estates

Low Thia Khiang asked if the 6.9 million population planning parameter from the Population White Paper is used in developing new HDB estates and what the target percentage of population in public housing would be by 2030.
Khaw Boon Wan clarified that the 6.9 million scenario is a stretched projection for overall land and infrastructure planning, not specifically for public housing estates.
The scenario projects Singapore’s resident population between 4.2 and 4.4 million by 2030, with citizens and permanent residents making up that range, and the rest being transient non-residents.
MND and HDB focus on housing supply responsive to resident population needs and preferences, with no set target percentage for public housing occupancy by 2030.
The 6.9 million figure includes non-residents like foreign workers, domestic helpers, and students, who are not the primary consideration for public housing planning.

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21 Oct 2013

Job Scope Definition in Service Sector

R Dhinakaran asked for guidelines to ensure service-sector employers define job scopes adequately and provide appropriate benefits for flexible work arrangements for work permit holders.
The Ministry of Manpower, NTUC, and SNEF issued Tripartite Guidelines on Job Flexibility in 2013, requiring employers to communicate additional roles, obtain consent, and ensure fair remuneration and compliance with employment laws.
Employees can seek recourse through employer channels, unions, or the Migrant Workers’ Centre, and MOM may curb work pass privileges for egregious non-compliance while encouraging reports of employment law breaches.

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21 Oct 2013

Impact of Tightened Foreign Workers Inflow on SMEs

Dr Janil Puthucheary raised concerns about SMEs' difficulties with foreign worker pass renewals, asking for data on appeals, a special pass scheme for experienced foreigners in tough-to-fill roles, and business closures due to manpower shortages.
Minister Tan Chuan-Jin reported that since 2010, about 19,000 appeals for S Pass and Work Permit renewals were received, with 48% approved temporarily, and highlighted policies like the market-based skills framework to retain skilled foreign workers longer and reduce levies.
The minister acknowledged SMEs' challenges and noted that firm closures have remained steady, with support measures like the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) to help businesses transition gradually.

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21 Oct 2013

Purchase of New HDB BTO Flats for Singapore Citizens with Foreign Spouses

David Ong asked whether Singapore Citizens with foreign spouses can buy new HDB BTO flats, given the family nucleus criterion is met.
The Minister replied that such citizens can qualify for BTO flats if they have Singapore Citizen children, or else apply for a 2-room BTO flat in non-mature estates if they meet age, income, and first-timer criteria.
David Ong noted the current scheme has an age restriction of 35 and limits flats to 2-room, which he argued prejudices younger couples and suggested a review to allow 3-room flats to support fertility goals.
The Minister reiterated that the policy is pro-family, explaining the age limit does not apply once they have Singapore Citizen children, and encouraged spouses to apply for PR or citizenship.

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21 Oct 2013

Update on Fair Consideration Framework

The Acting Minister for Manpower explained that the Fair Consideration Framework aims to ensure fair hiring practices for Singaporeans while maintaining economic competitiveness, with exemptions from advertising requirements for small firms (25 or fewer employees), high-wage jobs (above $12,000), and rank-and-file roles, though all firms must still fairly consider Singaporeans.
MOM will scrutinize firms with low proportions of Singaporean PMEs, consider industry comparisons and trends, and investigate complaints about unfair HR practices, which could lead to additional scrutiny on work pass applications or curtailment of privileges.
The Minister noted that the framework is not about setting fixed targets for local hiring due to varying industry needs, but rather to signal expectations and monitor practices, while also drawing lessons from other countries and adapting measures to Singapore’s context.

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16 Sep 2013

Breakdown of Professionals, Managers and Executives by Nationality and Industry/Sector

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked for a breakdown of Singaporean, Permanent Resident, and foreign Professionals, Managers, and Executives by industry from 2011 to 2012, including Manufacturing, Construction, Services, Banking & Finance, and IT & Communications.
Tan Chuan-Jin responded that the breakdown by broad industries is provided in a table on page 144.
The response directly addresses the query by referring to a specific table without providing the detailed data in the speech.

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16 Sep 2013

Regulation of Foreign Worker Quarters

The Ministry of Manpower and Ministry of National Development collaborate to regulate foreign worker quarters, considering factors like proximity to residential areas, infrastructure, and worker welfare standards.
All foreign worker housing, including temporary on-site quarters, must meet strict safety, structural, and living space requirements enforced by multiple government agencies.
Over the past three years, enforcement actions have resulted in fines, prosecutions, and penalties for employers and operators violating housing regulations, with ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight.

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16 Sep 2013

Parents and Grandparents of Foreign Spouses Granted Long-Term Visit Pass

Gan Thiam Poh asked how many parents and grandparents of foreign spouses of Singapore citizens have held Long-Term Visit Passes over the last three years and the projected increase for the next three years.
Teo Chee Hean clarified that Singapore citizens can only sponsor immediate family members—spouses, children, and parents—for Long-Term Visit Passes, not parents or grandparents of foreign spouses.
Parents and grandparents of foreign spouses may enter Singapore on short-term visit passes, but extensions are considered only in exceptional cases where there are critical care-giving needs and no local alternatives.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority may allow extended stays on a case-by-case basis for limited durations to assist with interim care-giving while the family seeks long-term arrangements.
The response highlights a strict policy with limited exceptions for family care situations, without providing specific numbers or projections on pass holders.

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16 Sep 2013

Public Transport Services to Cope with Increasing Ridership Volume

Patrick Tay raised concerns about potential overcrowding on public transport services serving housing estates due to foreign workers using them if their dormitories are nearby.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that most foreign workers in dormitories use dedicated transport provided by employers, with only a small percentage using public transport.
The Land Transport Authority monitors transport near dormitories and works with operators to add bus trips or increase capacity if overcrowding occurs during peak hours.
Efforts are made to add bus trips downstream of dormitories so residents can board buses more easily, and LTA encourages dormitory operators and employers to provide dedicated transport.

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16 Sep 2013

Deprivation of Citizenship

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene inquired about the number of persons deprived of citizenship under Articles 129 and 130 of the Singapore Constitution since 1965.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean responded that since 1987, 16 persons have been deprived of citizenship under these articles.
Teo Chee Hean noted that data prior to 1987 is not readily available because ICA's records were computerised from that year.

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16 Sep 2013

Safety and Security in Areas Close to Foreign Worker Dormitories

The Ministry has implemented inter-agency measures including providing recreational facilities within dormitories and near clusters to meet workers' social needs and reduce congregation in public areas.
Increased deployment of Auxiliary Police Officers, Security Officers, and CCTV surveillance in high-concentration areas to patrol, deter crime, and enforce anti-social behavior, thereby enhancing safety for nearby residents.
Programs such as the Foreign Workers Ambassador Initiative and volunteer crime-prevention groups involve workers directly in maintaining order and educating peers on Singapore's laws and social norms.

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12 Aug 2013

Number of Family Members of Singapore Citizens Granted Permanent Residency

Teo Chee Hean stated that from 2010 to 2012, an average of 3,800 spouses and 340 children and parents of Singapore Citizens were granted permanent residency annually under the Family Ties Scheme.
As of 31 December 2012, there were 58,600 spouses and 9,800 children and parents of Singapore Citizens who were dependant permanent residents under the Family Ties Scheme.
Grandparents and siblings of Singapore Citizens are not eligible for permanent residency under the Family Ties Scheme and must apply on their own merits.

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