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[h=2]Number of Filipino visitors to Singapore increased by 24 percent last year[/h]Posted by temasektimes on July 14, 2012
The number of Filipino visitors to Singapore hit a record high 678,000 last year, a 24 percent increase compared to 544,000 in 2010, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said.
Speaking to queries from the media, Sherina Chan, STB Area Director for the Philippines and Brunei expressed her heartfelt ‘gratitude’ to the Filipinos:
“2010 was already considered an exceptional year as the Philippines increased its ranking from number eight to number six in terms of international visitor generating markets for Singapore. We are heartened by this continued growth momentum and warm support from Filipinos.”
The increase in the number of pinoy visitors is attributed to the growing economy in the Philippines in 2011, the increasing number of flights between Philippines and Singapore and the fact that around 160,000 Filipinos live in Singapore today, thereby encouraging visits from their family and friends.
However, what was not reported is that a number of pinoys are coming to Singapore not for visit purposes, but to find a job which is not allowed under the law.
A common practice among these pinoy job-hunters is to stay at a friend’s place and using their stay to try to obtain a work permit or employment pass in order to work in Singapore.
Unfortunately, the Singapore Tourism Board seems more fixated on the figures than analyzing the real reason behind the increase in the number of pinoy ‘visitors’.
The number of Filipino visitors to Singapore hit a record high 678,000 last year, a 24 percent increase compared to 544,000 in 2010, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said.
Speaking to queries from the media, Sherina Chan, STB Area Director for the Philippines and Brunei expressed her heartfelt ‘gratitude’ to the Filipinos:
“2010 was already considered an exceptional year as the Philippines increased its ranking from number eight to number six in terms of international visitor generating markets for Singapore. We are heartened by this continued growth momentum and warm support from Filipinos.”
The increase in the number of pinoy visitors is attributed to the growing economy in the Philippines in 2011, the increasing number of flights between Philippines and Singapore and the fact that around 160,000 Filipinos live in Singapore today, thereby encouraging visits from their family and friends.
However, what was not reported is that a number of pinoys are coming to Singapore not for visit purposes, but to find a job which is not allowed under the law.
A common practice among these pinoy job-hunters is to stay at a friend’s place and using their stay to try to obtain a work permit or employment pass in order to work in Singapore.
Unfortunately, the Singapore Tourism Board seems more fixated on the figures than analyzing the real reason behind the increase in the number of pinoy ‘visitors’.
