Employment Passes and S-Passes Issued to Persons Who Have Renounced Singapore Citizenship

Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Manpower in the last five years, how many employment passes and S-Passes have been issued to persons who have previously given up Singapore citizenship.

Mr Lim Swee Say: From 2012 to 2016, an average of 65 new Employment Passes and S Passes were issued each year to individuals who had previously given up their Singapore Citizenship. Every work pass application is assessed carefully and in consultation with relevant agencies. A variety of factors is considered including: (i) how much time has elapsed since Singapore Citizenship was renounced; (ii) whether the applicant has any ties to another citizen; and (iii) whether the applicant had avoided any obligations to the State when he gave up Singapore Citizenship.