WIVES AND AGED PARENTS IN CHINA (Government policy on entry into Singapore)

Government policy on entry into Singapore

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Minister for Labour and Welfare if he will state the Government's policy regarding

(a) the entry from China of wives of Singapore residents who already have wives in Singapore; and

(b) the entry from China of aged parents of Singapore residents having no other relatives in China to look after them.

Dr Lim Yew Hock: Sir, with regard to the first part of the question, it is the policy of the Government not to permit entry into Singapore of such wives, invariably referred to as secondary wives. In very special circumstances where the wife in China is the primary wife, the policy may be relaxed. In such cases, certain factors meriting consideration and normally taken into account by the immigration authorities must be satisfactorily proved or established. It will be appreciated that the circumstances of every case vary and, in consequence, each case is thoroughly investigated and carefully considered on its merits.

The entry of persons described in the second part of the question is governed by paragraph 7 (f) of the Immigration (Prohibition of Entry) Order, 1953.