IMMIGRATION INTO SINGAPORE - IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD - IASG
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IMMIGRATION
INTO SINGAPORE
IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD
Property of Immigration@SG LLP
Written by Rachael Divya
2021 Quarter 1THE IMPACT OF COVID-19
AND GE2020 ON SINGAPORE
IMMIGRATION
It is crucial for Foreigners looking to immigrate into
Singapore to be aware and fully understand the mechanics
in play that shape the immigration policies in Singapore.
Since the introduction of the Selective Immigration
Policy in 2009, Singapore has been steadily granting
approximately 30,000 Permanent Residents and 20,000
Citizenships annually.
In the first Quarter of 2020, the Through this eBook, IASG wishes
impact of Covid-19 has triggered to share with serious and hopeful
a ‘premature’ call for the General applicants a flavour of the findings
Elections in Singapore to be held compiled. This includes:
amidst battling the pandemic. 1. Understanding the Impact
of Covid-19 and GE2020 on
With Foreigners contributing to Singapore’s Immigration Policies.
approximately 40% of Singapore’s 2. Insights into the Top Performing
talent requirement, there is no Sectors in Singapore Amidst the
denying the criticality in foreign Pandemic
talent dependence. However,
foreigner retrenchment has seen its With this, we hope the e-Book sets
biggest drop in 2020 as local versus serious applicants on the right
foreigner tensions mount. trajectory towards strategising a
strong application that best positions
Having a vested interest in our clients’ themselves as ideal candidates for
future, Immigration@SG embarked Singapore PR / Citizenship.
on a critical research journey
involving several stakeholders and
counterparts to keep a close pulse
on what lies ahead cum Phase 3 WHAT DOES THIS
and 2021. MEAN FOR HOPEFUL
SINGAPORE PERMA
NENT RESIDENCE
AND CITIZENSHIP
APPLICANTS?
2WILL THE SINGAPORE
GOVERNMENT
STILL BE GRANTING
APPROVALS ON
APPLICATIONS?
COVID-19 HAS COMPELLED
POLICIES TO CHANGE
In a modern zeitgeist constructed
upon the tenets of globalisation
and capitalism, it is undeniable
that Covid-19 has compelled world
leaders, governments, global
conglomerates, and the common
man, to change. Thus far, leaders of
countries and industries have both
depended on the ease of access
across geographical boundaries to
drive the world economy, to expand
soft power influence, conduct
diplomacy, as well as develop future
industries. The global pandemic
essentially halted the world, and we
witnessed a cessation in the manner
business and diplomacy were both
conducted nation to nation.
3GLOBAL
MOBILITY
Global mobility was a key driving force for economy and
politics in the old world — since then, things have changed.
Within the context of Singapore, global mobility has been
an integral part of our economic development, from its
humble beginnings as a fishing village to the dynamic
global hub it has transformed into. Nonetheless, there
have been key turning points in the country’s young
economic history that have impelled the government to
rethink and redefine their position on migration. One of
these instances would be the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.
A RESILIENT SINGAPORE
Since that crisis, Singapore has challenges Covid-19 posed was
not faced any major threats to its coercing a globalised world to
economic position — at least until adapt into an epoch with limited
now. As countries across the globe mobility across geographical
have closed up due to Covid-19, boundaries. By affecting the global
Singapore’s economy which is interconnectedness of the modern
heavily reliant on the external market, era, this pandemic has compelled
has contracted and seen climbing industries and governments to
unemployment and redundancy rethink their policies on immigration
rates that has been unparalleled and relocation and transform in
since the 2008 Crisis. Consequently, order to bolster economic resilience
the government has poised the and safeguard national interests
nation to prepare for a protracted
recovery period, as industries move Nonetheless, from the analysis
towards reinventing themselves to fit conducted, we decisively concluded
a new normal. two things — firstly, that the economic
slowdown is not a key element
The events of 2020 have been influencing the immigration outlook
unprecedented and have of the Singaporean government and
demanded a need for a thorough secondly, that the country needs to
examination of what one can maintain a certain level of openness
expect. It is undeniable that the towards foreign professionals in the
pandemic has changed the lives arenas of both granting permanent
of most around the world. As residency and citizenship approvals,
aforementioned, one of the biggest as well as work passes / visas.
4ECONOMIC
SLOWDOWN IS NOT
KEY IN INFLUENCING
SINGAPORE’S
FOREIGNER RETRENCHMENTS IMMIGRATION
IN SINGAPORE OUTLOOK
Within the Singaporean context,
we already know that the pandemic
has affected more than just a few
key industries responsible for the
dynamic and vibrant economic
ecosystem the country has. With
many industries coming to a
standstill, we saw a spike in the rate
of retrenchment this year.
Between the first and second
quarter of 2020, the retrenchment
rates more than doubled. This rate
is currently higher than what it
was during the 2003 Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) period
but is lower than what it was during
the 2009 Global Financial Crisis. In
2020, the industries that saw the
highest rates of retrenchment were:
Wholesale Trade; Non-Electronics
Manufacturing and Financial
Services.
RETRENCHMENT
Retrenchments more than doubled 8.130
Retrenched employees
2020 Singapore Retrenchment Rate from
Ministry of Manpower Statistics
3.220
2.470 2.670
2.320
2Q19 3Q19 4Q19 1Q20 2Q20
5SINGAPORE
GENERAL ELECTIONS
2020
In the midst of dealing with the fallout from Covid-19,
Singapore held its General Elections to elect its 14th
Parliament of Singapore since its independence in 1965.
This election brought with it an undercurrent of strong
emotions of the local population regarding the effects
of the pandemic on their daily lives and livelihood.
Dissatisfaction with leadership was a sentiment
that materialised, which resulted in the opposition
government’s increased influence within Parliament.
In a post-election survey conducted that Singaporeans felt like their
by the Institute of Policy Studies interests were protected and
(IPS), one of the biggest vexations prioritised.
of voters was the million-dollar
question surrounding employment Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
and job security. Singaporeans spoke on this matter, assuring
had come to a place where their Singaporeans that the government
main concern was their livelihoods is an advocate for their interests and
and if the government was truly an that the anxiety they were feeling
advocate in protecting the interests regarding a perceived competition
of the citizens. The undercurrent for jobs between locals and foreigners
of citizens’ displeasure and worry was unnecessary. He reiterated
coalesced with the urgency the the government’s ‘Singapore-first’
government was facing in protecting outlook in order to ease the disquiet.
their own interests sparked off one Understanding that words were not
of the most arduous dialogues that sufficient, the Singapore government
is still ongoing — the notion of locals took measures to ensure that the local
versus foreigners in the Singaporean community felt that there was action
job market. being taken in their favour. As a result,
the government announced that
GROWING TENSIONS BETWEEN Work Pass Requirements were being
LOCALS AND FOREIGNERS tightened with effect from May 2021.
With the growing tensions, the
Singaporean government found
itself in a precarious position
— balancing their narrative of
needing foreign professionals in
the local workforce, while ensuring
6WE CAN EXPECT
THAT PRIORITY WILL
BE GIVEN TO KEY
PROFESSIONALS
WITHIN THE TOP-
PERFORMING
SECTORS IN
SINGAPORE
INCREASED EMPHASIS ON it is for new immigrants to socially
SELECTIVE IMMIGRATION POLICIES integrate into the Singaporean
community.
There has been much speculation
surrounding whether the Even though Singapore will not
government would rethink its close itself off or restrict itself further
immigration policies that was towards the foreign population,
addressed in the 2013 White we can project that the barriers to
Paper. Currently, there are no plans entry into the local workforce will
(or need) for the revision of the increase. Currently, whilst the salary
White Paper that road mapped the conditions have changed and there
outlook of the government towards is a stricter enforcement of the Fair
immigration from then till 2030. Consideration Framework, we can
expect that priority will be given to
However, whilst there are no key professionals within the top-
diversions from the original performing sectors in Singapore,
roadmap, there has been a greater followed by industries that the
emphasis on certain aspects of country has expressed a vested
the White Paper policies, as well interest in.
as a shifting narrative. In order to
balance the growing discontent
of the Singaporean population
regarding foreign workers, the
Singapore government has placed
less emphasis on encouraging
locals to accept and embrace new
immigrants as they used to and
repositioned their stance into one
that greatly underscores how pivotal
7THE TOP
PERFORMING SECTORS
IN SINGAPORE
In the midst of dealing with the fallout from Covid-19,
Singapore held its General Elections to elect its 14th
Parliament of Singapore since its independence in 1965.
This election brought with it an undercurrent of strong
emotions of the local population regarding the effects
of the pandemic on their daily lives and livelihood.
Dissatisfaction with leadership was a sentiment
that materialised, which resulted in the opposition
government’s increased influence within Parliament.
The sectors within Singapore that However, just because the above
have performed well and stayed mentioned are the best performing
resilient in the face of the global sectors in 2020, it does not mean that
pandemic are: the Singapore government is not still
investing into other industries and
sectors. As a brief overview, here is
a list of the industries Singapore still
has an interest in:
• Aerospace
PRECISION ELECTRONICS • Consumer Business
ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING • Creative Industries
• Electronics
• Energy & Chemicals
• Logistics & Supply Chain
Management
• Medical Technology
• Natural Resources
BIOMEDICAL INFORMATION &
MANUFACTURING COMMUNICATIONS
• Oil & Gas Equipment and Services
TECHNOLOGY (ICT) • Pharmaceuticals & Biology
• Precision Engineering
• Professional Services
• Urban Solutions & Sustainability
Singapore has also recently
FINANCIAL launched the Singapore Green
SERVICES Finance Centre (SGFC) in the midst
of the Covid-19 pandemic. This
8centre is supported by the Monetary East and the West, establishing
Authority of Singapore (MAS), as trade protocols independent of
well as nine key founding partners. geopolitical rivalries, and forging a
The centre will endeavour to pursue dependence on the foreign market
multi-pronged research efforts to to drive its own internal growth and
develop strategies to support the development are all factors that lend
Asian continent’s transition into a to Singapore’s economic position
low carbon model. With Singapore regionally and internationally. As
driving the foray into green solutions such, Singapore cannot close off —
for the future, key industry leaders it must remain open to recover and
and professionals will be needed to thrive.
propel this enterprise forward.
This is indicative of Singapore’s
determination to move forward
and continue its investments into
the industries that would fortify its
economic competitiveness in the
aftermath of the pandemic’s adverse
effects and boost its economic
recovery. As such, experienced
and high-level professionals in the
aforementioned sectors, as well as
blue-collared workers that drive said
industries should not be deterred by
the escalating barriers to entry into
the Singaporean market. Singapore
has a need for professionals who can
aid in her recovery and will remain
open to safeguard its economic
interests.
Ultimately, Singapore must remain
open in order to experience
economic recovery. Singapore’s
economic success and sustained
growth can be attributed to its open
policies. Currently, the country is
heavily intertwined in the global
meridian as a facilitator of the
world economy. Connecting the
9WHAT ARE
THE NEXT STEPS
FOR YOU?
In the midst of dealing with the fallout from Covid-19,
Singapore held its General Elections to elect its 14th
Parliament of Singapore since its independence in 1965.
This election brought with it an undercurrent of strong
emotions of the local population regarding the effects
of the pandemic on their daily lives and livelihood.
Dissatisfaction with leadership was a sentiment
that materialised, which resulted in the opposition
government’s increased influence within Parliament.
2021: IMMIGRATION INTO IASG’s White Paper also includes
SINGAPORE IN A POST-PANDEMIC trend analysis for Permanent
WORLD (A WHITE PAPER BY IASG) Residency and Citizenship
application approvals received
At Immigration@SG LLP (IASG), during this Covid-19 period, unique
analysts have examined these case studies, and appraises the effects
world events and the place that that the 2020 General Elections have
migration will have in the future had on Singapore Immigration —
within the Singaporean context. namely, the tightening of existing
We have conducted research into Selective Immigration Policies. The
industry trends, economic patterns, White Paper provides an in-depth
and have mapped out the future of insight into the immigration situation
immigration into Singapore based and what the future holds for the
on the evidence uncovered. foreign population in Singapore.
The IASG White Paper will dive deep
and provide a thorough analysis of
the migration situation in the near
future. This is not an analysis that can
be received from a Google search,
or that is easily accessible to the
general populace. IASG is giving this
exclusive information only to serious
applicants, free of charge.
IMMIGRATION
INTO SINGAPORE
IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD
Property of Immigration@SG LLP
Written by Rachael Divya
2021 Quarter 1
10THE WHITE
PAPER PROVIDES
AN IN-DEPTH
INSIGHT INTO THE
IMMIGRATION
SITUATION AND
WHAT THE FUTURE
HOLDS FOR
THE FOREIGN
POPULATION IN
SINGAPORE
HOW?
1 Book a free consultation with
a consultant at IASG via our
online consultation booking
system, or call our hotline at
+65 6493 1830, and come
down to our office for your
thorough profile analysis.
2 Upon completing your
consultation, you will receive
your free copy of the White
Paper, no questions asked.
With this information, you will be able
to map the trajectory you would like
to head down, as well as find ways to
strengthen your profile. The migration
landscape is extremely competitive
due to the annual quotas and the
calibre of applicants — IASG is here
to provide you with the competitive
edge to secure your best chance of
an approval.
11THE CHOICE IS YOURS.
THE INFORMATION IS OURS.
SECURE YOUR FUTURE TODAY.
CONTACT US:
EMAIL: INFO@IASG.COM.SG
GENERAL / PR & CITIZENSHIP ENQUIRIES: +65 6493 1830
WWW.IASG.COM.SG
IMMIGRATIONSG IMMIGRATION-SG @IMMIGRATIONSG
DISCLAIMER AND COPYRIGHT
All policies and trends mentioned are accurate as at time of publication to update the information or to correct any inaccuracy that may become
and may be subject to changes of the socio-political and economic climate apparent at a later time. IASG shall not be responsible for any loss or
of Singapore. The information contained reflects the views and opinions damage howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, as a result of any person
of Immigration@SG LLP. Applicants should always proceed knowing acting on any information provided herein.
that there is no one-size-fits-all advice for immigration matters and
should always seek advice from an experienced immigration consultant No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted
regarding the suitability of the profile for any immigration application, in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other
considering the individuality of each profile, and the changing political electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of
climate of Singapore. You should consider carefully and exercise caution the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical
in making any immigration decision whether or not you have received reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by the Copyright
advice from any experienced immigration consultant. No representation Act (Chapter 63) of Singapore. Offenders will be prosecuted.
whatsoever in respect of any information (including without limitation
any statement, figures, opinion, views, or estimates) provided should be © Copyright 2021 – Immigration@SG LLP |
relied upon as immigration law. IASG does not undertake any obligation All Rights Reserved. Co. Reg. No.: T14LL3118LYou can also read
