IMMIGRANTS (Conditions for long-term residence)

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how an allegedly bankrupt Taiwanese divorcee was allowed to come and reside in Singapore for 3 years and (b) under what conditions immigrants can come into Singapore and reside on a long-term basis.

Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee (for the Minister for Home Affairs): Sir, the Member's question has two parts. On part (a), I am unable to comment without having more details of the person Dr Soin is referring to.

On part (b), generally, any foreigner who wants to come and stay in Singapore for a long duration can apply for the relevant immigration pass to remain here depending on the purpose of her stay. For example, foreigners who wish to work in Singapore may apply for employment pass, dependents of employment pass holders may apply for dependents' pass and immigrants who want to make Singapore their home can apply for permanent resident's status under the Economic or Family Ties Schemes. The Economic Scheme refers generally to persons who apply for permanent residence on their own merit whereas Family Ties Scheme would refer to those with Singaporean spouses.

Dr Kanwaljit Soin: Sir, would the Senior Parliamentary Secretary then guide me on how I can ask a question about the media report and how do I go about asking for details on a person who has been reported in the media? I am not able to know how to ask the question in that report.

Mr Speaker: Dr Soin, you are not allowed to ask a question relating to a report in the media. That is disallowed under the Standing Orders.