It suggests timely release of information on the inflow of
foreigners, criteria for permanent residency or work visa
applications, and strategic objectives and projections for
Singapore's population.
The report by a workgroup noted that the issue of foreigners and
integration has been dominating forums and policy dialogues. And
while efforts by the Government to address the issue 'are
laudable', the group suggested 'refining and recalibrating certain
policy actions'.
The group is one of three formed by official feedback channel
Reach early last year to enhance citizens' participation in the
policymaking process. A second group examined the issue of older,
low-income workers, and the third looked at the issue of caregivers
for the elderly.
The chairman of the workgroup on integration, National
University of Singapore sociologist Tan Ern Ser, said Singaporeans
understood the economic rationale behind the need for
foreigners.
But they prefer to be updated regularly on immigration figures,
the kind of immigrants allowed in and the justification for the
numbers that Singapore needs.
