BRAIN DRAIN PROBLEM

Dr Wong Kwei Cheong asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how serious is the brain drain problem for Singapore in terms of the number of Singaporeans who have emigrated and renounced their Singapore citizenship over the last ten years; and (b) under what conditions the Government will allow such ex-Singaporeans to return and work in Singapore.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs (Dr Lee Boon Yang (for the Minister for Home Affairs): Sir, I am answering on behalf of my Minster.

Sir, statistics from the Registry of Citizens show that from 1977 to October 1987, 8,144 persons had renounced their Singapore citizenship. In the same period, 2,772 persons had their Singapore citizenship terminated on the ground that they had taken up other citizenship. These 10,916 persons are known to have emigrated in the past 10 years. There are, however, others who have emigrated but have not yet renounced their citizenship.

These statistics tell one part of the story. During the same 10-year period, 88,132 persons acquired Singapore citizenship. Another 67,400 persons became permanent residents. Of the permanent residents, many will acquire citizenship eventually if they have not already done so. We have not got the data to compare the socio-economic status of those who have left us with those who have joined us. We hope to collect such data in future. For the present, we cannot say whether we are net losers or gainers.

Sir, the Prime Minister and the First Deputy Prime Minister have recently dis- cussed in detail the implications of Singaporeans emigrating in significant numbers. Every Singaporean, especially a skilled and talented person, who decides to leave permanently is a loss to Singapore. Although more people are sinking their roots in Singapore than those who are leaving there is no room for complacency. Many who might in the past have come to Singapore are now going to countries such as Australia and Canada. Even some Singaporeans are going to these countries. If nothing is done and the trickle turns into a torrent, the well-being of all Singaporeans will be seriously affected.

Singaporeans are free to travel. We cannot prevent people from leaving. Therefore, we must make life in Singapore more satisfying so that fewer people will want to emigrate. While we cannot duplicate the ski-slopes and natural sceneries of Vancouver or Perth, we can and must recognize and reward talent and ability and make Singapore a more pleasant place to live in. Then more foreigners who can contribute to our society will want to settle here, and fewer Singaporeans will be tempted to leave.

We do not place any impediment in the way ex-Singaporeans who wish to work in Singapore so long as they have recognized qualifications or skills and can contribute positively to our nation. When they apply for permits to work in Singapore, the Immigration Department will consult relevant vetting authorities and decide each case on its merits.