Cosmetic changes made to immigration policy with “stricter” rules for EntrePass holders
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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Boo on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 3:59 pm
Govt should reveal how many EntrePass holders will be affected by the rule change. Is it 10 or 100 or 1,000 or 100,000? I suspect the impact is small…probably just a few hundred at most.
Like the author of this article, the govt should dramatically change the rules pertaining to S-Pass and Student Pass if it is serious about protecting S’poreans’ jobs.
Also, a foreign must have worked and stayed here for at least 4 years before being even allowed to apply for S’pore PR. This is the situation in most developed countries. At present, any Tom, Muthu or Xiao Zhiang can get S’pore PR within months of arrival!!
Tony on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 4:10 pm
A little consolation reading today ST about stricter rule for EntrePass. Nothing to be happy yet, let hope more can be done.
btan on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 4:57 pm
This is but just one of the wayang shows that PAP put up in order to smoke out easily distracted voters into voting for them. PAP supporters can then said “See? PAP listens to us after all” and hide the fact that nothing substantial is really done.
ayama on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 5:18 pm
One of the reason why,there are such big numbers of chinese nationals flooding our little red dot. The chinese the dominant race are not reproducing themselves.If you remember many years ago LKY did mention that our racial mixed should remain 76 to 77% chinese the rest make up of the other race we should be ok and spore should continue to prosper if these status quo remains unchanged
So it is therefor a deliberate in the immigration policy of spore to be more relax when applicants who wish to settle here are of chinese origins.
However this policy have now backfire,with the people now getting fed up with so many people living in our shores,which have driven up prices of almost everything especially housing
The chinese sporeans are very unhappy with all this large number of mostly chinese PRs even the minority race in spore are also getting very fed up.I believe in this coming elections all these unhappiness in the ground will translate into lost vote for the PAP.
Whether or not it will translate into lost seats in Parliament for the PAP remains to be seen.
citizenofSG on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 5:25 pm
PAP is now listening to commentors in TR.
Kudos to all of you, you have the power to change.
Do not give up the power and the power to change is now in your hand?
Thanks to TR for a nice effort. Cheers.
ErniesUrn on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 5:32 pm
Dear Voters,
If you really want to vote for PAP, think again.
It means that you are saying YES to PAPs foreign and Immgration policies, and therefore allowing more cheap foreign workers to come in and take away YOUR jobs (rank and file).
Anonymous on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 5:33 pm
Cosmetic little side show to scapegoat a few just to placate angry Singaporeans. How could there check the credentials of PRs as real or bluff when the floodgates was so loose and all rushing in? How many of these PRs are doing what they are here for and claims to have relevant skills and experience? Or they were here filling roles by corrupt means?
Why handed out PRs like toilet papers when Professional Employment Pass would secure the same labour skills?
Election must be around the corner. No other reason of this comestic showbiz “tightening”
x12831 on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 6:37 pm
Just another ‘wayang’. The govt has probably chosen the least successful scheme in attracting prospective immigrants to ‘tighten’. Showtime! This does not address the main threat to the livelihoods of Singapore citizens* from emplyment pass holders, work permit holders, S-pass holders, and even student pass holders!
*One has to use the correct label. The label Singaporean may or may not be a Singapore citizen. When the govt sees fit it may include PRs, foreign workers, foreign students, etc. Just recently Singapore is no longer a country but a city.
JanetNT on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 6:38 pm
I don’t think this Business policy review has anything to do with ZYY incident… please improve your article writing leh
fair and square on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 7:04 pm
ocsmeticS or not,it really doesn’t matter.
the harm is done..the locals are sufferring and that’s the
problem they need to resolve..no diversion,pls!
CONTEST WISELY but VOTE EVEN MORE WISELY!!!
Anonymous on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 8:14 pm
@ JanetNT on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 6:38 pm
You are wrong.
IT IS ALL PART AND PARCEL OF MIGRATION AND ECONOMIC POLICY FAILURES DATING BACK MORE THAN 4 DECADES of relying on foreigners and NOW DESPERATELY SO.
The cosmetic changes is just a little poor job of painting up an ugly witch into a beautiful courtesan that Singaporeans have love to hate getting near.
Don’t pretend you are blind to the truth.
6million Population [inclusive 3million New Citizens] - Every 5 Years Sure Win on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 8:54 pm
SEE MY NICK
CPT on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 8:57 pm
Mm lky team depend on the foreign to score goal revenue. They wont slow down the intake. He dont believe that his team can be vote out.
6million Population [inclusive 3million New Citizens] - Every 5 Years Sure Win on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 8:59 pm
If sg ppl not voting them, they dont have to worry. Just let in more new citizens.
So they dont care a damn if you dont vote them.
6million Population [inclusive 3million New Citizens] - Every 5 Years Sure Win on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 9:06 pm
I went to a Thai Restaurant at Pasir Ris, Jap Restaurant at Raffles Place n food n drink outlet near the Merlion.
I thought I was in Manila, as staff there all are Philippinos.
contrarian on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 9:34 pm
Poor TR, another sweeping statement. Explain why the “changes to the Entrepass scheme” are “cosmetic”?
Time for Change on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 10:05 pm
Nothing will change with them. They will still keep their legs wide open to attract as many foreigners as the can. Shameless.
cy on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 10:13 pm
why target the “entrepreneurs”?
as the above article says: foreign workers should be targeted instead, they are the ones competing for jobs not the entrepreneurs
fair and square on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 10:22 pm
@cy
AGREED!
For such,if genuine,help “create more jobs for locals”.
And,it is good if,and only if, they don’t bring in
their own kind or we would still be left behind!
janetnt on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 10:44 pm
I am not commentating on the policy, i am commenting on the article writing…TR could had wrote a more meaningful article rather then linking it back to the ZYY incident again
Bruce W on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 10:53 pm
Stricter ‘Requirement’ is one thing. ‘QUOTA’ is another that MOM didn’t mention.
With the population of China and India, you can sure to find countless people that match the ’stricter’ requirement. Is Sg going to let all of them in?
LPPL lah!
But with QUOTA, the number of EP holders can be controlled. That’s the key.
heavenknow on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 10:54 pm
hundred hundred of so call FT mainly pinoys, prc, indian as aircraft technicians, aircraft cleaners hopefully aircraft catering local still intact for the past years can b found in our no 1 award changi airport out of public area inside airport ops… don believe ask any friends working in our self-esteemed airport.
heavenknow on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 10:57 pm
hundred hundred of so call FT mainly pinoys, prc, indian as aircraft technicians, aircraft cleaners hopefully aircraft catering local still intact for the past years can b found in our no 1 award changi airport out of public area inside airport ops… don believe ask any friends working in our self-esteemed airport…. Strangers in your own company..not just city…
Checks & false balances on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 11:14 pm
@cy on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 10:13 pm
why target the “entrepreneurs”?
The answer is very simple. They are relatively few – compared to total annual immigration influx number. Hit them hard – politically is makes GREAT (but deceptive) news that the Government is DEADLY SERIOUS about the QUALITY of immigration intake to be EXTREMELY SELECTIVE AND TIGHT SCREENING of even entrepreneurs. Of course, we know this is Mao Ku Lau Su show meant for public consumption ( when the rats die, the cats cries in misery)
The UNSPOKEN PART left for public inferences of natural logic is that THE GOVERNMENT MUST HAVE BEEN “LOGICALLY” EVEN MORE SELECTIVE AND TIGHT SCREENING OF ALL THE OTHER OVER 100,000 IMMIGRANTS.
And the truth? EXACT OPPOSITE. If they didn’t screen out carefully entrepreneur migrants numbering a few thousands right from the beginning, WHY WOULD THEY BOTHERED OR HAVE THE RESOURCES TO SCREEN OVER 100,000 THAT RUSHED IN PAST THE FLOODGATES in a fleeting moment?? The public must be questioning of this serious doubt.
That is politically suicidal – the Zhang Yuan Yuan exposed how toilet paper grade PRs certificate given away. The public needs to be placated – even if token only in pretension.
So the next logical (APPEARANCE only in) public defence of their shattered integrity of mass immigration influx must find some scapegoats for sacrifice of seeming due diligence.THIS MUST LOOK SERIOUS IN MSM HEADLINE NEWS ITEMS OF PUBLIC INFORMATION. By sacrificing a few high profile tightening, the main bulk of mass migration will continue behind this facade of respectability of false construct. I don’t believe them at all that they ever intend to slow mass migration influx – the undisclosed political motive/s is too strong.
Voters should NOT be fooled.
John on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 11:19 pm
Once again the author is completely missing the point. The problem with the new Entrepass rules has nothing to do with hiring locals v. foreigners but more whether it is realistic for a startup to put down so much capital and be in a position to hire people in such a short time. The answer is no. The net result is that entrepreneurs, those who would have set-up a business here and hire local people, maybe not in the 12 months required by the new rules but maybe in 18 months would not come to Singapore. It is reckoned that a third of applicants have already canceled their Entrepass applications. You should continue scaring foreigners away so in a few years, Singapore’s unemployment rate will be 30% because all the foreign investors and companies will be gone. Not that it matters to the authors of TR since they are all living abroad.
Checks & false balances on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 11:23 pm
cy on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 10:13 pm
why target the “entrepreneurs”?
The answer is very simple. They are relatively few – compared to total annual immigration influx number. Hit them hard – politically is makes GREAT (but deceptive) news that the Government is DEADLY SERIOUS about the QUALITY of immigration intake to be EXTREMELY SELECTIVE AND TIGHT SCREENING of even entrepreneurs. Of course, we know this is Mao Ku Lau Su show meant for public consumption ( when the rats die, the cats cries in misery)
The UNSPOKEN PART left for public inferences of natural logic is that THE GOVERNMENT MUST HAVE BEEN “LOGICALLY” EVEN MORE SELECTIVE AND TIGHT SCREENING OF ALL THE OTHER OVER 100,000 IMMIGRANTS.
And the truth? EXACT OPPOSITE. If they didn’t screen out carefully entrepreneur migrants numbering a few thousands right from the beginning, WHY WOULD THEY BOTHERED OR HAVE THE RESOURCES TO SCREEN OVER 100,000 THAT RUSHED IN PAST THE FLOODGATES in a fleeting moment?? The public must be questioning of this serious doubt.
That is politically suicidal – the Zhang Yuan Yuan exposed how toilet paper grade PRs certificate given away. The public needs to be placated – even if token only in pretension.
So the next logical (APPEARANCE only in) public defence of their shattered integrity of mass immigration influx must find some scapegoats for sacrifice of seeming due diligence.THIS MUST LOOK SERIOUS IN MSM HEADLINE NEWS ITEMS OF PUBLIC INFORMATION. By sacrificing a few high profile tightening, the main bulk of mass migration will continue behind this facade of respectability of false construct. I don’t believe them at all that they ever intend to slow mass migration influx – the undisclosed political motive/s is too strong.
Voters should NOT be fooled.
anything also can lah on Thu, 5th Nov 2009 1:08 am
add@heavenknow
FT “entrepreneurs” create job for locals.. may i ask my esteemed labour ministers do a walk around check in liang seah st, chinatn, people park cplx or people park centre etc,
visit all these chinese dessert outlets or restnts so called FT “entrepreneurs” mainly employed only their compatriots n part-timers chinese students (are these students allowed to work on student pass)that have now turn into enclaves or your so called $10 million “RECREATION” integration.
WYSIWYG, our dear labour minister are u telling us that our workforce to be trained and upgraded like them to fit into your slogan – cheaper, faster or better with snobbish world class customer service – 3rd world economy
Don lose hope on Thu, 5th Nov 2009 1:54 am
may our million $ labour union minister do a walk around check to c & feel all these FT “entrepreneurs” create job for locals at liang seah, chinatown, people park centre etc or they mainly employed their ctry compatriots, part-time chinese student pass holders. All these places infact, are turning into their enclaves – thanks for your million$ ‘recreation’ integration.
no wonder u wish us singaporeans workforce to be trained and upgraded like them to fit into your slogan of cheaper, faster n better to provide snobbish service attitudes from 1st world to 3rd world economy by lelong calling… sad days ahead.
wake up singaporean! from our slumber, be wise and ask yourself – r we and our family better off for the last ten years, it is not too late to redeem our democratic right this coming election.
Ashamed to be Singaporean on Thu, 5th Nov 2009 4:30 am
This idea of business linked migration has been in operation in Australia, for eg.
What happens is that these businesses are sold and re-sold to new emigrants to help them meet the criteria. Its a joke of a system and we are adopting it.
We have to spend $$ to help these new migrants learn English? what a joke !
Vote wisely before your vote becomes totally useless in coming elections
EL on Thu, 5th Nov 2009 5:10 am
This article is good! I feel this immigration thing also link to another problem – PAY. This so called “Foreign Talent” come here and become kopi soh, I sometimes think i O level pass only, I can become super talent liao, become kopi gia supervisor. But no, I go CC to ask for job, the fellow send me to Changi Airport to be cleaner, not even supervisor post, job. Say the pay good, at $900 per month. I tell the fellow i stay Jurong leh, take bus/MRT my pay 3/4 gone. You know the fellow tell me what? He say, you don’t want the work nevermind, got alot of China, Bangla, Pinoy even malaysian will work for less!!!! I say less how much? He say less like $500 to $800. I tell the fellow, why not like this, i work 1 month and i give you 1 month free? KNN
Morale low sia. Now I really must train to eat grass, stay tent and bath less.
Btw, anyone know Changi beach can put tent anot ar?
Teh on Thu, 5th Nov 2009 6:30 am
What is the point of targeting the entrepreneurs (who will not have the capacity to hire lots of Sinkies anyway) when you allow MNCs, govt bodies and other local businesses to hire PRs and foreigners? KNN.
Recent Shitty Times report states that there are about 100,000+ residents in Sinkapore who are unemployed. No details about how many are Sinkies. What is being done to enable unemployed Sinkies to get jobs, decent paying jobs???
If PAPie think that the change to the scheme is to try and prove they are helping to reduce unemployment amongst Sinkies, they are truly insulting our intelligence.
Time for Change on Thu, 5th Nov 2009 7:58 am
Hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans are worse off than they were ten years ago. We are suffering in silence but they time has come for change in the upcoming elections.
We will vote for change. We will vote for a better future without the MIW.
admin on Thu, 5th Nov 2009 10:12 am
Hi janent,
This is called – keeping the issue ALIVE and to make sure Singaporeans remember it again and again till it is permanently etched in their minds because they tend to have short memories.
jolly on Thu, 5th Nov 2009 1:15 pm
the abrupt change of a major policy by the govt shows how much thought and study has been put in by the manpower ministry and the govt. from this episode i conclude they do not give a damn to the consequences we singaporeans will face in the long run. By the way who is the minister of manpower ?
janetnt on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 9:40 pm
Dear Admin,
Is that aka brain washing or something that PAP/MSM also do keep bring up matters to remind you how good they are because reader have short memory and are ungrateful??
Anonymous on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 10:07 pm
janetnt on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 9:40 pm
No No No. That mob keep bringing up same matters because they run out of fresh ideas. So what choices have they got?
Lies repeated often enough will slowly gain some credence of “truth” even though those uttering these rubbish knows the utterances are completely false in substance.
That is how propaganda works, Janetnt.
Don’t you know?
You simply can’t convince us with these shallow hoaxes.