Measures give Singaporeans edge over PRs
By Yen Feng
FOREIGN-BORN workers - can't live with them, can't live without them.
If there was one issue this year that tested the patience of Singaporeans as well as the Government's ability to balance social and economic policy, this was it.
Some wondered why the Government could not just say 'no'. Discontent among Singaporeans has been growing - along with the proportion of non-citizens here - for years.
In 1990, foreign-born permanent residents (PRs) made up one in 23 citizens.
Last year, the ratio was one in six.
Singaporeans felt marginalised. Not getting a seat on the MRT was one thing, but when home prices and jobs spun out of reach, the rhetoric got serious. In the media and through dialogues with grassroots leaders, the people's voice was heard: We deserve more.
The demand was answered in September last year, when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the way citizens and PRs were treated would be tweaked 'to reflect the responsibilities and privileges of citizens'.
A string of measures followed this year: In January, the gap for health subsidies between PRs and citizens was widened. In March, PRs were told they would have to pay more for tertiary education.The changes went beyond cost of living.
New mothers got to stay home longer, NS men got a bonus payout, and quotas were introduced to limit the number of PR households in HDB estates. In September, the Government said it would give out fewer permanent residencies and citizenships this year.
A month later, the rules were tightened for investors seeking to become residents through investment assets.
At the National Day Rally, PM Lee said while concerns were legitimate, he could not close the door to foreigners. Singapore needs the talent, and man-hours.
Mr Etoro Udonwa, 34, is a Nigerian IT executive married to a Singaporean. His application to become a citizen was rejected but he will apply again. 'This is my home. This is where I want my family, my children to live.'
By Yen Feng
FOREIGN-BORN workers - can't live with them, can't live without them.
If there was one issue this year that tested the patience of Singaporeans as well as the Government's ability to balance social and economic policy, this was it.
Some wondered why the Government could not just say 'no'. Discontent among Singaporeans has been growing - along with the proportion of non-citizens here - for years.
In 1990, foreign-born permanent residents (PRs) made up one in 23 citizens.
Last year, the ratio was one in six.
Singaporeans felt marginalised. Not getting a seat on the MRT was one thing, but when home prices and jobs spun out of reach, the rhetoric got serious. In the media and through dialogues with grassroots leaders, the people's voice was heard: We deserve more.
The demand was answered in September last year, when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the way citizens and PRs were treated would be tweaked 'to reflect the responsibilities and privileges of citizens'.
A string of measures followed this year: In January, the gap for health subsidies between PRs and citizens was widened. In March, PRs were told they would have to pay more for tertiary education.The changes went beyond cost of living.
New mothers got to stay home longer, NS men got a bonus payout, and quotas were introduced to limit the number of PR households in HDB estates. In September, the Government said it would give out fewer permanent residencies and citizenships this year.
A month later, the rules were tightened for investors seeking to become residents through investment assets.
At the National Day Rally, PM Lee said while concerns were legitimate, he could not close the door to foreigners. Singapore needs the talent, and man-hours.
Mr Etoro Udonwa, 34, is a Nigerian IT executive married to a Singaporean. His application to become a citizen was rejected but he will apply again. 'This is my home. This is where I want my family, my children to live.'
