FOREIGN WORKERS' LEVY

Dr Wong Kwei Cheong asked the Minister for Labour (a) what is the total amount of the levy on foreign workers collected in 1988 and estimated to be collected for 1989; and (b) for how many years will the rate of $250 per worker be maintained.

The Minister for Labour (Mr Lee Yock Suan): Mr Speaker, Sir, the total amount of levy on foreign workers collected in 1988 was $218 million. The collection for 1989 is likely to be higher at about $400 million in view of the recent levy increases.

The levy is a pricing mechanism. It is a flexible instrument. It can go down as well as up depending on the economic situation and the demand for foreign workers. There is therefore no fixed period for the levy to remain at a certain level.