Number of Family Members of Singapore Citizens Granted Permanent Residency

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) in each of the last three years, what is the number of spouses, children and immediate family members (grandparents, parents and siblings) of Singapore Citizens who have been granted permanent residency; and (b) what is the current number of Permanent Residents who are spouses, children, grandparents, parents and siblings of Singapore Citizens.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: Between 2010 and 2012, an average of about 3,800 spouses, and 340 children and parents of Singapore Citizens (SCs) were granted dependant PRs under the Family Ties Scheme annually.

As at 31 December 2012, there were 58,600 spouses, and 9,800 children and parents of SCs who were dependant PRs under the Family Ties Scheme.

Grandparents and siblings of SCs are not eligible to be considered for PRs under the Family Ties Scheme. However, they can apply for PR on their own merits.