WORK PERMIT HOLDERS MARRYING SINGAPOREANS (Figures)

Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Labour how many male and female work permit holders applied to contract marriage with Singaporeans in 1987 and 1988, and how many applications have been approved.

The Minister for Labour (Mr Lee Yock Suan): Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1987, there were 1,957 applications from work permit holders to marry Singaporeans. 481 of the applicants were males and 1,476 were females. 1,338 applications were approved, comprising 312 males and 1,026 females.

In 1988, there were 1,882 applications. 439 of the applicants were males and 1,443 were females; 1,204 applications were approved, comprising 285 males and 919 females.