MARRIAGES BETWEEN NON- SINGAPOREANS AND SINGAPOREANS (Policy)

Encik Saidi Shariff asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour (a) how many applications to contract marriage between non-Singaporeans and Singaporeans or permanent residents were received in 1980; (b) how many of those applicants were approved; and (c) if he will state the Labour Ministry's policy on such applications.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour (Mr Fong Sip Chee) (for the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour): Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1980, there were 2,385 applications from non-Singaporeans to contract marriage with Singaporeans or Singapore permanent residents. Of these, 848 were approved.

Approval of marriage applications are normally granted if the non-Singaporean worker is skilled and has satisfied our marriage policy criteria such as five years of employment on work permit and that both parties are above 18 years of age.