Locals-first job website launched by Singapore amid backlash against migrants

[SoleSurvivor]

Locals-first job website launched by Singapore amid backlash against migrants

PUBLISHED : Monday, 14 July, 2014, 10:40pm
UPDATED : Monday, 14 July, 2014, 10:40pm

Agence France-Presse in Singapore

The Jobs Bank website. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Singapore yesterday launched a jobs website favouring citizens and permanent residents in response to mounting complaints that foreigners are stealing professional jobs from locals.

The "Jobs Bank" website will match employment opportunities with profiles of locals seeking employment or a change of jobs. From August 1, companies needing professional workers must advertise on the site for at least 14 days before they can seek an employment pass for a foreigner.

The website offers vacancies in sectors such as accounting, banking, engineering, science and sales. More than 16,000 positions are currently available, about half of them for professionals, managers and executives.

The ruling People's Action Party has moved to curb the entry of foreign workers in the face of complaints from citizens they are competing for jobs, public housing, health care services and space in public transport.

Singaporeans make up just over 60 per cent of the 5.4 million population.

The influx of foreign workers has sparked a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment.