CRITERIA FOR SINGAPORE CITIZENSHIP (Elaboration)

Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs and Education if he will elaborate on what specific criteria or qualities are expected of an applicant for Singapore Citizenship in assessing the applicant's ability "to make a positive contribution towards the economic well-being of the Republic and not to become a liability."

Mr Speaker: Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi.

Encik Sidek bin Saniff: Question No. 12, Sir.

Mr Chua Sian Chin: Mr Speaker, Sir, generally, an applicant who satisfies any of the following criteria would be considered to be making a contribution towards the economic well-being of the Republic: -

(1) He possesses a recognised professional, university or technical qualification, including a trade certificate;

(2) He is a skilled or semi-skilled worker (such as a welder, carpenter or fitter) and has regular employment;

(3) He is an entrepreneur or investor who is providing jobs for local people; and

(4) He has satisfactorily completed National Service.

Applicants who are likely to become a liability may be categorised as follows: -

(1) Persons who are likely to bring into Singapore wives, children or aged parents who are not citizens or permanent residents of Singapore;

(2) Persons on public assistance;

(3) Persons with character defects and criminal records;

(4) Unemployed persons;

(5) Persons without steady employment, such as odd job or casual workers;

(6) Persons who are not prepared to do National Service, except those exempted on medical grounds; and

(7) Unskilled labourers.

Dr Augustine H.H. Tan (Whampoa): Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Hon. Minister aware that in the event that an application for citizenship is refused the applicant has got to re-apply and go through the procedures again? It does impose hardship in many of these cases. Could not the application be kept alive for further reference?

Mr Chua Sian Chin: Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not think that a re-application will, in fact, impose hardship on the applicants. Each application is considered on its own merit. When the time comes for processing and, on consideration, it is found that the particular application does not merit the granting of citizenship, it is refused. Is there any point then in delaying consideration of the application? I think it is a disadvantage to delay because if it is found that an applicant has no hope of getting citizenship, it is better that the application be considered and that he be told that citizenship will not be granted to him. On the other hand, the applicant is free to re-apply. May I explain the matter? It does not mean that an applicant's situation is static. He may improve upon his income. He may improve his skill and qualities. If, after having been rejected once, he feels that he has improved on all these aspects, he may apply again.