ALIEN MUSICIANS AND BANDS (Policy on entry and on protection of local musicians)

Policy on entry and on protection of local musicians

Mr Lee Kuan Yew asked the Minister for Labour and Welfare what is the present practice of the Government with regard to the entry of alien musicians and musical bands seeking employment in Singapore; and what is the Government's policy on the question of protecting local musicians from unemployment as a result of imported alien musicians.

Dr Lim Yew Hock: Sir, the entry of alien musicians and musical bands seeking employment in Singapore is governed by the provisions of the Immigration (Prohibition of Entry) Order, 1953. Among the categories of persons set out in the Schedule to that Order who may be admitted into Singapore are persons with professional or specialist qualifications which would enable them to follow their profession or occupation in the Colony without prejudicing the interests of persons already resident in Singapore and possessing corresponding or similar qualifications.

The present policy of the Government, Sir, designed to protect local musicians from unemployment as a result of imported alien musicians, allows for the admission of not more than two foreign musical bands into Singapore at any one time, subject to the local sponsor who is desirous of importing the foreign band engaging an equal number of local musicians to play with imported bands. The maximum stay in Singapore for each imported band is six months. This policy is at present under review in the light of the experience gained and of the Government's policy on the tourist trade.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: Will the Hon. the Minister inform us whether the review is intended to widen or to narrow the limits of entry of alien musicians?

Dr Lim Yew Hock: It is intended that the number fixed at present of two bands may be increased. One must not overlook the fact that a foreign band here means employment for local musicians.