IMMIGRANTS (Grant of Singapore citizenship)

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IMMIGRANTS:

(Grant of Singapore citizenship): 4.

Mdm Ho Geok Choo asked the Prime Minister in view of the need to increase immigration as a solution to our declining fertility rate, (a) what is the right number of immigrants as well as the timing under which they will be granted citizenship; (b) what are their required educational qualifications, skills and working experiences; and (c) how to assure Singaporeans that the increased immigration will not contradict our policy of nurturing committed and loyal Singaporeans and placing them at the core of our society.

The Minister, Prime Minister's Office (Mr Lim Hng Kiang) (for the Prime Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, Singapore has been an immigrant society from the beginning. Economic migrants from China and India, as well as Malays from the immediate neighbourhood, joined together and made Singapore what it is today. Thus, welcoming with open arms those with something to contribute to our economy and society is not a new idea. For those who can integrate well into our society, we want to encourage them to become permanent residents, and thereafter to take up citizenship. They will make long-term contributions to the well-being of Singapore, and build up commitment and loyalty with time. Their children, especially, will grow up in the local environment, studying in Singapore schools and serving National Service.

There is no correct number of immigrants to draw to Singapore. The test is whether they will be adding to the Singapore economy and society, and how well we are able to absorb them. But even while we welcome new immigrants, it is right that we differentiate appropriately between the privileges for the citizens as opposed to permanent residents, and of permanent residents as opposed to

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foreigners who are only temporarily in Singapore.

There is the citizen core which the Government will always specially recognise - they are the ones who are raised here, for whom Singapore is the only home, and for whom Singapore is not only worth living for, but also dying for. Only they can vote, only they can buy HDB flats directly from the HDB at highly subsidised rates, only they can qualify for grants to purchase resale flats, only they qualify for asset enhancement programmes and such schemes as ERS and NSS.

What else can we do to acknowledge the role of our citizen core?

How do we attract more immigrants to sink roots in Singapore ? The Working Committee on Population, as well as my Steering Group, are currently examining these issues and we will be presenting our proposals to the Government before August.