SINGAPORE CITIZENSHIP FOR FOREIGNERS UNDER 5-YEAR RULE (Particulars)

Mr P. Selvadurai asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Labour (a) what is the number of foreigners who have been granted Singapore citizenship under the 5-year rule; (b) how many of them are employed by the Government and statutory bodies; (c) how many such persons have left the service of the Government or statutory bodies; and (d) what were the criteria adopted in granting Singapore citizenship under the 5-year rule.

Mr Sia Kah Hui (for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Labour): Sir, the number of foreigners who have been granted Singapore citizenship under the 5-year rule is 65. Forty-three of them are employed by the Government and statutory bodies. Two such persons have left the service of the Government. The criteria adopted in granting Singapore citizenship under the 5-year rule were announced in May 1967. Briefly they are as follows.

First, persons who invest a minimum of $250,000 in any industry in the Republic are given permanent residence by the Immigration Department. They are eligible to apply for citizenship under the 5-year criteria but citizenship is not automatically given to them.

Secondly, senior civil servants and officers of statutory boards.

Thirdly, persons possessing technical or managerial skills whom the Economic Development Board would like to attract to Singapore.

Lastly, other persons who have made outstanding contributions to the progress and welfare of the Republic.

Mr Ho See Beng: Is the idea of allowing a foreigner to invest $250,000 in Singapore so that he can come here and become a permanent resident an original idea of the P.A.P. Government, or is it copied from other countries in the world?

Mr Sia Kah Hui: Sir, I think it makes no difference whether we copy it or not so long as the objective is a good one. I think the hon. Member will agree that whatever is good any socialist government will adopt. Never mind where it comes from.