Successful Appeals to Waive EIP Limits and Revising Buyback Assistance Criteria for Families with Extenuating Circumstances

Mr Alex Yeo asked the Minister for National Development (a) over the past two years, how many appeals have there been to waive Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) limits for owners who have fulfilled the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) but owned the flat for less than 10 years; (b) how many of these appeals were successful; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider revising the criteria of 10-year ownership for the buyback assistance for families with extenuating circumstances.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: Over the past two years, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) received around 460 appeals to waive the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) limits from flat owners who have fulfilled the minimum occupation period for their flat but have owned it for less than 10 years. Of these, HDB acceded to around 110 appeals.

The 10-year ownership condition ensures that the EIP buyback assistance benefits households who need it most. Families with extenuating circumstances can approach HDB, who will assess each case on its own merits.