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A CALL for more tranparency in the Government's immigration policy, its rationale and supporting data were among key recommondations made by a nine-member Reach workgroup formed to address integration issues.
This could be done through the timely release of information regarding the inflows of foreigners, the criteria for residency or work-visa applications and the strategic objectives and projections of Singapore's population, said the workgroup.
The Integration Policy Study Workgroup (PSW), one of three formed last year to look into key policy concerns, noted that the Government is "cognisant of the impact the influx of foreigners has on Singaporeans and on the groundswell of opinions it has generated".
It said that resentment against foreigners - which refer to those working and living here, including new citizens, permanent residents and holders of non-resident visas such as Employment Passes - can be attributed to several factors.
These include a growing income gap which accentuated the divide and a perceived topdown approach to demographic policy and planning.
The workgroup also listed a perceived unequal balance of benefits and obligations between locals and foreigners, such as national service liability, in contrast with equal opportunities provided to Singaporeans and immigrants.
Its findings, as well those of two other PSWs which focused on health issues and manpower issues, were released in a statement yesterday by Reach, the government's feedback portal.
Members of the three work erans and professionals from various fields.
The statement said that the Integration PSW conducted several focus-group discussions with Singaporeans, both here and overseas, to refine existing integration policies and to foster greater social integration among Singaporeans and new immigrants.
A key recommendation centred on strengthening commitment to four key values, which the workgroup felt defined the Singapore identity.
The values are: a dedication to national service, upholding law and order, embracing multiculturalism, and meritocracy.
The chairman of the the Integration PSW, Associate Professor Tan Ern Ser, said that while current measures adopted by the Government are effective, more can be done.
He said: "We believe that while there are good reasons to take the 'citizenship has its privileges' approach, it is far more important to prevent the hardening of the boundary between locals and migrants."
The workgroup also recommended implementing a more rigorous Singapore Citizenship Journey programme, to possibly include a minimum passing criteria.
The programme, launched in March last year as an orientation programme for new citizens, could also emulate certain aspects of national service, added the workgroup.
In response to the workgroup's recommendations, National Population and Talent Division senior director Sim Ann said: "We agree with most of the recommendations, some of which coincide with initiatives and programmes already being undertaken."
The PSW on health issues identified the needs and concerns of caregivers as one key area in health care which requires urgent attention.
This is because, caregivers - which include children of the elderly - will form a "critical segment" for sustaining care of the ageing population.
Two groups of caregivers were considered to be especially in need of help - low-income caregivers and single caregivers.
Among other recommendations, the workgroup proposed more tax relief for the two groups, as well as extending Government-paid childcare leave to elderly parents and relatives.
On manpower issues, the PSW focused on two key areas: challenges faced by older and low-income workers beyond their economically active years, and challenges faced by older workers in the hospitality industry.
Among the workgroup's proposals was one to provide a monthly stipend of about $200 to $300 to low-income individuals aged 65 and above, to help meet their basic consumption needs.
This could be done through the timely release of information regarding the inflows of foreigners, the criteria for residency or work-visa applications and the strategic objectives and projections of Singapore's population, said the workgroup.
The Integration Policy Study Workgroup (PSW), one of three formed last year to look into key policy concerns, noted that the Government is "cognisant of the impact the influx of foreigners has on Singaporeans and on the groundswell of opinions it has generated".
It said that resentment against foreigners - which refer to those working and living here, including new citizens, permanent residents and holders of non-resident visas such as Employment Passes - can be attributed to several factors.
These include a growing income gap which accentuated the divide and a perceived topdown approach to demographic policy and planning.
The workgroup also listed a perceived unequal balance of benefits and obligations between locals and foreigners, such as national service liability, in contrast with equal opportunities provided to Singaporeans and immigrants.
Its findings, as well those of two other PSWs which focused on health issues and manpower issues, were released in a statement yesterday by Reach, the government's feedback portal.
Members of the three work erans and professionals from various fields.
The statement said that the Integration PSW conducted several focus-group discussions with Singaporeans, both here and overseas, to refine existing integration policies and to foster greater social integration among Singaporeans and new immigrants.
A key recommendation centred on strengthening commitment to four key values, which the workgroup felt defined the Singapore identity.
The values are: a dedication to national service, upholding law and order, embracing multiculturalism, and meritocracy.
The chairman of the the Integration PSW, Associate Professor Tan Ern Ser, said that while current measures adopted by the Government are effective, more can be done.
He said: "We believe that while there are good reasons to take the 'citizenship has its privileges' approach, it is far more important to prevent the hardening of the boundary between locals and migrants."
The workgroup also recommended implementing a more rigorous Singapore Citizenship Journey programme, to possibly include a minimum passing criteria.
The programme, launched in March last year as an orientation programme for new citizens, could also emulate certain aspects of national service, added the workgroup.
In response to the workgroup's recommendations, National Population and Talent Division senior director Sim Ann said: "We agree with most of the recommendations, some of which coincide with initiatives and programmes already being undertaken."
The PSW on health issues identified the needs and concerns of caregivers as one key area in health care which requires urgent attention.
This is because, caregivers - which include children of the elderly - will form a "critical segment" for sustaining care of the ageing population.
Two groups of caregivers were considered to be especially in need of help - low-income caregivers and single caregivers.
Among other recommendations, the workgroup proposed more tax relief for the two groups, as well as extending Government-paid childcare leave to elderly parents and relatives.
On manpower issues, the PSW focused on two key areas: challenges faced by older and low-income workers beyond their economically active years, and challenges faced by older workers in the hospitality industry.
Among the workgroup's proposals was one to provide a monthly stipend of about $200 to $300 to low-income individuals aged 65 and above, to help meet their basic consumption needs.
