SINGAPORE CITIZENSHIP

Column: 979

SINGAPORE CITIZENSHIP

1.

Mr Steve Chia Kiah Hong asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) if he will give a breakdown of the migration figures for the last 10 years on (i) the number of Singaporeans who had emigrated and given up on their Singapore citizenship, (ii) the number of immigrants who have taken up Singapore citizenship, (iii) the age, qualification and employment profile of these migrants, (iv) the number of emigrants who are retired officers from Government service and Government-linked companies; and (b) whether his Ministry had any success in reducing the number of Singaporeans who had given up on their citizenship over this period.

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Between 1994 and 2003, an average of about 860 Singaporeans renounced their Singapore citizenship while about 8,100 foreigners became Singapore citizens annually. The numbers have remained stable over the years.

About 60% of our new Singaporeans are below 30 years old. Roughly two-thirds of our new Singaporeans attained Singapore citizenship as they were family members of Singaporeans. The remaining one-third obtained Singapore citizenship on their own merit.

In 2002 and 2003, about half of those who renounced their Singapore citizenship were between the ages of 21 and 40. Only a third held a diploma or higher qualifications. We do not keep data on renunciations dating back further than two years ago and the previous employment of Singaporeans who have given up their Singapore citizenship, including ex-citizens who are retired officers from Government service and Government-linked companies.

The Government is also looking into ways to effectively engage overseas Singaporeans, and to maintain their connections with Singapore .