TR EMERITUS

From our Correspondent

Following the widespread unhappiness and disgruntlement on the ground at the ruling party’s liberal immigration policies, the Ministry of Manpower has moved in to amend the EntrePass scheme for foreigners who want to set up businesses in Singapore to placate the growing chorus of voices from Singaporeans who want to restrict the inflow of foreigners.

The amendments have made it more rigorous for new applicants. Previously, applicants for the pass had to submit a business plan and put down a $3,000 banker’s guarantee or get a Singaporean sponsor.

Now, new applicants also have register their company as a private limited concern; hold a share of at least 30 per cent in the company; and have at least $50,000 in paid-up capital.

There are also specific guidelines to ensure that the businesses they set up create employment opportunities for Singaporeans.

When they first renew the permits – each permit is valid for a maximum of two years – the business owners will have to show that they employ at least two Singaporeans and have total business spending of at least $100,000 over the past year.

At subsequent renewals, they have to employ at least four Singaporeans and have total business spending of at least $150,000 over the past year.

The move came in the aftermath of a public furore over a Singapore PR Zhang Yuanyuan who proclaimed her loyalty to China on a Chinese TV channel.

It was revealed that Zhang came to Singapore on a students pass armed with only a diploma from an unknown institution in China. She obtained her Singapore PR within two months of application.

The authorities refused to reveal why Zhang was given a Singapore PR in double quick time and cleverly diverted the issue away by using the state media to blame Singaporeans for “over-reacting”.

A few senior PAP leaders including Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong also jumped to Zhang’s defence, claiming that as she is still a China citizen, there is nothing really wrong in her pledging allegiance to China.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong repeated the circular argument during a PAP event last Sunday that foreigners helped to create jobs for Singaporeans and take up jobs not wanted by locals.

The cosmetic changes made to the EntrePass scheme is unlikely to slow the intake of foreigners by much as there are few expats setting up businesses in Singapore compared to the large number of Chinese and Indians who flocked here every year to find work.

The government should consider amending the students’ pass and S-pass schemes if it is really serious to reduce the number of foreigners coming to Singapore.

The duration of the students’ pass should be reduced to one year and only those from accreditated institutions are allowed to further their studies in Singapore.

S-pass schemes should be tightened to grant entry to only semi-skilled workers who are in demand in certain industries.

For example, Chinese language teachers, clinic assistants, nursing assistants and administrative staff should be filled by locals instead of foreigners.

The civil service and government-linked companies should set a good example for the rest of Singapore to follow by employing only Singapore citizens in its front-line desk.

Of late, Filipinos are found manning many of Singpost and POSB banks counters where previously only Singaporeans are recruited for the job.

The latest slew of changes are probably another “branding” exercise by the government to allay the concerns and anxiety of citizens in preparation for the coming elections.

Prime Minister Lee had given no indication that he will make wholesale changes to the government’s immigration policy except some minor “tweaks”.

In fact, he kept stressing on the fact that foreigners are crucial for Singapore’s economy. A $10 million community integration fund was introduced lately to make foreigners feel “welcomed” in Singapore.

Unless Singapore voters sent a strong message across in the next election, it is likely that the ruling party’s immigration policy will continue until local-born citizens become a minority in their own country.

Related articles:

>> SM Goh: New immigrants needed to make up population shortfall

>> PAP ministers hailed contributions of foreigners

>> SM Goh expressed support for Zhang Yuanyuan

>> State media: citizens have more rights over PRs

>> Zhang Yuanyuan got her Singapore PR in only 2 months

>> Official reply from government on the Zhang Yuanyuan fiasco

>> Singapore PRC PR proclaimed loyalty to China publicly

>> PRC resident hung China flag to celebrate its National Day

>> PRC student in Singapore wants more scholarships for foreigners

>> PRC prostitutes solicit for customers on Singapore’s cyberspace

>> ERA: 40 per cent of resale flats buyers are PRs

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