MIGRATION IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

"We wanted a Singapore that our children and those of our fellow citizens would be proud of; a Singapore that would offer all citizens equal and ample opportunities for a fulfilling future. It was this drive in an immigrant Asian society that spurred us on to fight and win against all odds. "

One of the interesting points found in these sentences written by Senior Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew in "The Singapore Story" is that he emphasised Singapore as an immigrant Asian society. It goes to show the significance of migration in Singapore. Since the founding of Singapore, the size and composition of Singapore population has been determined by the interaction of migration and natural increase. Migration has been playing an important role in the Singapore economy despite the fluctuation in the net migrational flow throughout the years. Does migration in Singapore cause a gain or a loss and to whom? This question has been debated and different views are given. For instance, one view is that migration of foreign talents can help to boost the Singapore economy. On the contrary, an opposite view is given that the local talents are being "creamed off' by the import of foreigners. There are also several other emerging issues. In this thesis, based on a 200-sample-size survey, we have identified some causes of immigration. These include economic factors, political factors, social factors, cultural factors and psychological factors. While these factors play an important role in affecting an immigrant's decision, the immigration policy adopted by the Singapore government is as important as well. The oveiview on the past and present immigration policies shows that the Singapore immigration policy has been constantly adjusted according to the interest of Singapore. Immigration policy will determine the type of foreigners migrating to Singapore. Often, it is said that Singapore government will adopt a policy such that it will maximise the benefits to the economy and minimised the social cost. For instance, with the recent emphasis of Singapore's outward investment, a more liberal immigration is adopted in granting PRs to the foreign talents. On the contrary, there are no strict controls over emigration of Singaporeans. Singaporeans are allowed to move out at any time with some exceptions such as those liable for active national service. With the growing number of Singaporeans emigrating, it becomes a growing concern to the Singapore government. Many measures have been taken to stem the outflow of Singaporeans especially the young local talents. Migration has a lot of impact on a small country like Singapore. Migration affects the demographic variables, the labour force, the trade and it also brings about some social and political issues. Singapore as mentioned above is characterised as an immigrants Asian society. With the volatility in the net migration flow, the significance of migration in Singapore varies across time. Net migration flow is a key indicator to show the net movement of the number of people migrating in and out. As migration has brought about many consequences to Singapore, it is important to know the significance of migration in Singapore. These consequences of migration are an important part of our analysis. Given the growing complexity of the causes and consequences of migration in Singapore, we have also analysed some of the various aspects of migration in Singapore today, in particular, the causes and consequences of migration.