THE IMPACT OF RECENT PUBLIC HOUSING POLICIES ON PERMANENT RESIDENTS

Abstract

Singapore faces a substantial influx of immigrants into the country, with many converting to the status of a Permanent Resident (PR). Thus it is crucial to review public housing policies targeted at PRs. The policies should ultimately be equitable without compromising on the message that citizens are prioritised first, as demanded by the populace during the general elections of 2011. This study looks at how the housing policy changes in the last five years have been regarded by PRs – how fair are the changes, and how have PRs coped with such changes. Ten case studies were conducted covering three nationalities. The PRs were asked, among other things, to rank the policies in terms of fairness and effectiveness. They were also asked to provide recommendations on which policies should be reviewed first. The study found that several policy alterations were regarded as being too drastic, and the PRs felt that insufficient time was given to them to adapt to such changes. A great deal of frustration has resulted from the recent policy changes, and some PRs have decided to leave the country due to the difficulties in housing and financing they encountered. The PRs expressed a strong desire for some policies to be rescinded, or at the very least for less stringent policies alternatives to be implemented instead. It is ironic that while Singaporeans in general appear to understand the need for immigrants, public sentiments and HDB housing policies do not appear to reflect an adequate level of hospitality and acceptance of PRs. It is recommended that public housing policies should take into greater consideration the needs of PRs, especially those of the lower-income groups, and strike a better balance between the needs and wants of both citizens and PRs. This, in turn, will enhance overall social equity and further national goals.