WORK PERMIT HOLDERS (Sterilization Bond)

Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon asked the Minister for Home Affairs, in respect of Work Permit holders who signed the Sterilization Bond with the Work Permit Department, (a) how many have been granted permanent residence; and (b) where they only have their first child and decide that the second child should come some years later, or where they plan to have their two children some years later, what are the criteria used in considering their applications for permanent residence.

The Minister for Home Affairs (Mr Chua Sian Chin): Mr Speaker, Sir, fifty-three work permit holders who have signed the Sterilization Bond have been granted permanent residence.

Work permit holders who have signed the Sterilization Bond are only considered for permanent stay if they are (a) skilled workers; or (b) wives of Singapore citizens. In addition, permanent residence will only be granted:-

(i) after both the husband and wife have been sterilized after the birth of their second child; or

(ii) 5 years after they signed the Bond if they have no children or only one child; or

(iii) if they have passed child-bearing age or cannot have any more children on medical grounds.