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More data on immigration will aid integration
Govt feedback unit says transparency ensures better understanding by Singaporeans of policy
By Teo Wan Gek
SINGAPOREANS will be more understanding about the surge of foreigners if there is greater transparency in immigration policy, including the release of more information, said a report by the Government's feedback unit yesterday.
It suggests timely release of information on the inflow of foreigners, criteria for permanent residency or work visa applications, and strategic objectives and projections for Singapore's population.
The report by a workgroup noted that the issue of foreigners and integration has been dominating forums and policy dialogues. And while efforts by the Government to address the issue 'are laudable', the group suggested 'refining and recalibrating certain policy actions'.
The group is one of three formed by official feedback channel Reach early last year to enhance citizens' participation in the policymaking process. A second group examined the issue of older, low-income workers, and the third looked at the issue of caregivers for the elderly.
The chairman of the workgroup on integration, National University of Singapore sociologist Tan Ern Ser, said Singaporeans understood the economic rationale behind the need for foreigners.
But they prefer to be updated regularly on immigration figures, the kind of immigrants allowed in and the justification for the numbers that Singapore needs.
'This transparency and timely release of information would ensure greater 'buy-in' by citizens, and pre-empt their developing negative vibes based on impressions and rumours,' he said.
His group held forums to gather input on refining policies, aiming for better cohesion between Singaporeans and foreigners - new citizens, PRs, work permit, S-Pass and Employment Pass holders.
Dr Tan said increased transparency would reduce the resentment felt towards foreigners, exacerbated by a widening income gap and a perceived unequal balance of benefits and obligations between Singaporeans and foreigners.
Singaporeans, for example, have a national service liability, but in the economic sphere and many others, the opportunities are equal for both groups.
The report noted the Government was aware of the groundswell of opinion, and has introduced measures to sharpen the distinctions between citizens and PRs in areas like housing, education and health.
Dr Tan said that while there are good reasons to take a 'citizenship has its privileges' approach, 'it is far more important to prevent the hardening of the boundary between locals and migrants'.
'This calls for concerted efforts aimed at promoting collaborations between locals and migrants, a process which will enable them to work towards common purposes and forge a common identity.
'At the same time, we should seek to strengthen Singaporeans' sense of security, which will in turn produce in them a spirit of generosity towards migrants.'
One recommendation is to forge a common identity for all by bringing in foreigners who share the ethos that the group felt made up Singapore's identity. This encompasses dedication to national service, upholding of law and order, embracing of multiculturalism, and meritocracy.
Said Dr Tan: 'Do they have a passion for Singapore, or is this just a place for them to make a living? It's like a job interview. Some people just want the job, but they do not care at all about wanting to be a member of the organisation, nor believe in its mission and what it stands for. I'd like to see that this matters to them.'
Workgroup member Tommy Ng, who is with property developer GuocoLand, said more could also be done to better explain the need for foreign talent.
Another recommendation is to include minimum passing criteria in the Singapore Citizenship Journey, the current prerequisite for citizenship application. Launched last March, it is an orientation programme for new citizens, and includes visits to places of historical significance.
Said Dr Tan: 'It is important to set the bar at a moderately challenging level... it is not about passing a test, but what it means to be a Singaporean.'
Ms Sim Ann, a senior director at the National Population and Talent Division, which coordinates immigration and population policies, agreed with most of the recommendations. She noted that some of these 'coincide with initiatives and programmes already being undertaken'.
The Community Integration Fund, for example, was set up in 2009 to create more opportunities for locals and foreigners to meet, and the National Integration Council was established in the same year to implement integration programmes.
[email protected]
Govt feedback unit says transparency ensures better understanding by Singaporeans of policy
By Teo Wan Gek
SINGAPOREANS will be more understanding about the surge of foreigners if there is greater transparency in immigration policy, including the release of more information, said a report by the Government's feedback unit yesterday.
It suggests timely release of information on the inflow of foreigners, criteria for permanent residency or work visa applications, and strategic objectives and projections for Singapore's population.
The report by a workgroup noted that the issue of foreigners and integration has been dominating forums and policy dialogues. And while efforts by the Government to address the issue 'are laudable', the group suggested 'refining and recalibrating certain policy actions'.
The group is one of three formed by official feedback channel Reach early last year to enhance citizens' participation in the policymaking process. A second group examined the issue of older, low-income workers, and the third looked at the issue of caregivers for the elderly.
The chairman of the workgroup on integration, National University of Singapore sociologist Tan Ern Ser, said Singaporeans understood the economic rationale behind the need for foreigners.
But they prefer to be updated regularly on immigration figures, the kind of immigrants allowed in and the justification for the numbers that Singapore needs.
'This transparency and timely release of information would ensure greater 'buy-in' by citizens, and pre-empt their developing negative vibes based on impressions and rumours,' he said.
His group held forums to gather input on refining policies, aiming for better cohesion between Singaporeans and foreigners - new citizens, PRs, work permit, S-Pass and Employment Pass holders.
Dr Tan said increased transparency would reduce the resentment felt towards foreigners, exacerbated by a widening income gap and a perceived unequal balance of benefits and obligations between Singaporeans and foreigners.
Singaporeans, for example, have a national service liability, but in the economic sphere and many others, the opportunities are equal for both groups.
The report noted the Government was aware of the groundswell of opinion, and has introduced measures to sharpen the distinctions between citizens and PRs in areas like housing, education and health.
Dr Tan said that while there are good reasons to take a 'citizenship has its privileges' approach, 'it is far more important to prevent the hardening of the boundary between locals and migrants'.
'This calls for concerted efforts aimed at promoting collaborations between locals and migrants, a process which will enable them to work towards common purposes and forge a common identity.
'At the same time, we should seek to strengthen Singaporeans' sense of security, which will in turn produce in them a spirit of generosity towards migrants.'
One recommendation is to forge a common identity for all by bringing in foreigners who share the ethos that the group felt made up Singapore's identity. This encompasses dedication to national service, upholding of law and order, embracing of multiculturalism, and meritocracy.
Said Dr Tan: 'Do they have a passion for Singapore, or is this just a place for them to make a living? It's like a job interview. Some people just want the job, but they do not care at all about wanting to be a member of the organisation, nor believe in its mission and what it stands for. I'd like to see that this matters to them.'
Workgroup member Tommy Ng, who is with property developer GuocoLand, said more could also be done to better explain the need for foreign talent.
Another recommendation is to include minimum passing criteria in the Singapore Citizenship Journey, the current prerequisite for citizenship application. Launched last March, it is an orientation programme for new citizens, and includes visits to places of historical significance.
Said Dr Tan: 'It is important to set the bar at a moderately challenging level... it is not about passing a test, but what it means to be a Singaporean.'
Ms Sim Ann, a senior director at the National Population and Talent Division, which coordinates immigration and population policies, agreed with most of the recommendations. She noted that some of these 'coincide with initiatives and programmes already being undertaken'.
The Community Integration Fund, for example, was set up in 2009 to create more opportunities for locals and foreigners to meet, and the National Integration Council was established in the same year to implement integration programmes.
[email protected]
