HIDDEN_ADDENDA, PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (POPULATION POLICIES)

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PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (POPULATION POLICIES: )

MR WONG KAN SENG
Minister for Home Affairs

1 People make Singapore what it is. Singapore needs to be a country where a committed, energetic and able population build a future where they will find security, opportunity and fulfilment.

A GREAT PLACE FOR FAMILIES: 2 A nation has to look beyond economic pursuits as its sole pre-occupation. Singaporeans also aspire to savour some of the less-tangibles in life, including giving their children a happy childhood, and having emotional fulfilment in nurturing families. It is such priceless experiences and fond memories that make Singapore the best home.

3 Families in Singapore already enjoy a safe environment, good infrastructure, a sound education system and a cohesive society. Beyond these positive factors, we aim to make Singapore a great place for families by enhancing our support for Singaporeans who have made the personal decision to be parents.

4 In August 2004, the Government launched a comprehensive package of measures to better support Singaporean parents in a broad range of areas including financial cost, the ability to spend more time with their children, the range of childcare options, and a better balance between work and family life. These measures include greater use of Medisave for pregnancy and birth-related medical expenses, an enhanced Baby Bonus scheme, longer maternity leave, childcare leave, infant care subsidy, foreign domestic worker levy concession, grandparent caregiver tax relief and a fund to encourage family-friendly work practices. We will monitor the effectiveness of the package and feedback from the public, and make refinements to the schemes if necessary.

5 We will also continue to review our pro-family policies, infrastructure and practices. This will include working with employers, unions and workers to foster work-life harmony. It will also include enhancing our infant- and child-care services to better meet the needs of Singaporean families.

6 In the longer term, we will work towards achieving a shift in social attitudes towards marriage and parenthood so that Singaporeans can strike a better balance between developing their careers and finding joy and fulfilment in their children and families.

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A MAGNET FOR TALENT: 7 Much of Singapore’s transformation over the past forty years is founded on the efforts of immigrants from the Malay Archipelago, China, India and beyond. We must continue to offer opportunities for, and extend a welcome to, foreigners with diverse skills, talent and aptitudes. This will make Singapore a more attractive business location and in turn create more economic opportunities for all Singaporeans. It will also lead to greater diversity and vibrancy in our society.

8 To achieve this, we will continue to review our work pass policies and processes to attract and welcome skilled individuals. We will also broaden the pool of foreigners who can pursue opportunities in Singapore and contribute to its growth in different ways.

9 We will encourage those who identify with our values and way of life to sink roots here as permanent residents and as citizens. We will also do more to help them and their families settle in and integrate to our society.

FIRST PRIORITY TO CITIZENS: 10 While the Government welcomes foreigners and immigrants, its first responsibility has been, and always will be, to Singaporeans. Citizens are the core of our nation. The Government will ensure that it will always look after our citizens better than permanent residents and foreigners.