Indonesian authorities voice concerns over Increasingly number of students migrating to Singapore

Increasing numbers of Indonesian students are becoming Singaporean citizens due to limited job opportunities and higher salaries, highlighting the need for Indonesian authorities to improve employment opportunities in Indonesia.

ICA does not collect information on the citizenship’s applicants wealth or net worth, said K Shanmugam

Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) does not track the wealth or net worth of citizenship applicants, according to Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam. His statement comes in response to questions regarding the number of ultra-high net worth individuals granted citizenship since 2000. Citizenship applications are assessed based on factors such as ability to contribute to Singapore, job creation, special skills, family ties, and commitment to sinking roots in the country.

Singapore new citizen refers to Tianjin visit as “going back to home country”, acknowledges “stronger sense of belonging to China”

A former PRC national who obtained Singaporean citizenship recently expressed his love for his home country and his desire to retire in China. Despite holding a Singapore passport, he claimed a stronger sense of belonging to China. While some netizens called out his use of the term “home country,” others praised his patriotism to China. A Singaporean netizen criticized his comments as disrespectful to Singapore, urging authorities to investigate.

Could MHA have underestimated the influx of ultra-wealthy families into Singapore?

Back in July 2013, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, said that if he could persuade 10 more billionaires to move to Singapore, he would, even if that worsened income inequality. he said, “because [billionaires] bring business, they will bring new opportunities, they will open new doors, they will create new jobs”. Mr. Lee, responding to DBS Group Holdings Chief Executive Piyush Gupta’s remarks at DBS Asia Leadership Dialogue, stated that income inequality is one of the major challenges many countries are currently facing. However, he also emphasised that this does not mean sacrificing economic growth. “If the economy was stagnant, it doesn’t mean everybody’s going to be happy, and it may be equally unequal,” he said

Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs refutes reports on 3,500 high-net-worth individuals citizenship applicants as misleading

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has debunked reports suggesting that 3,500 high-net-worth individuals, predominantly from China, are set to gain Singapore citizenship in 2023. These claims, published by Lianhe Zaobao, cited New World Wealth’s head of research, Andrew Amoils. While the MHA deems the report “highly misleading,” the 2022 Global Citizenship Report by Henley & Partners reveals that Singapore, currently ranked fifth among cities with the most millionaires, added 2,800 high-net-worth individuals in 2021. In 2022, the top destinations for net inflows of high-net-worth individuals are expected to include the UAE, Australia, Singapore, Israel, Switzerland, the USA, Portugal, Greece, Canada, and New Zealand.

Nearly 3,500 wealthy millionaires are expected to become Singapore citizens in 2023

Singapore is expected to attract around 3,500 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) with a net worth exceeding US$1m to become citizens in 2023, with most of them being wealthy individuals from China, according to New World Wealth’s Andrew Amoils. Each new citizen is expected to have an average investable wealth of at least US$6m. Singapore added 2,800 HNWIs in 2021, ranking fifth among the top 20 cities with the most millionaires worldwide, and is emerging as Asia’s top wealth management centre.

Dark side of Singapore’s obsession with economic growth at the expense of its citizens

The opinion piece talks about Singapore’s heavy reliance on foreign workers comes at a cost of high cost of living, and stagnating wages for many Singaporeans, despite the government’s emphasis on economic growth. Six out of eight occupational categories in Singapore have hardly seen any real increase in pay over the last 21 years. More innovative and sustainable approaches should be taken towards economic development that prioritize education, training, entrepreneurship, and social welfare.

Majority of respondents in CNA poll support English test for citizenship, highlighting Josephine Teo’s disconnect with public opinion

A recent Channel News Asia poll found that 78% of Singapore-born citizens considered it important for new citizens to be able to communicate in English. This is in light of the proposal by the Leader of the Opposition Mr Pritam Singh at the Ministry of Home Affairs Committee of Supply debates for an English proficiency test for citizenship applicants to ensure better integration between new citizens and Singaporeans of all races and religions. Several netizens have criticized Minister Josephine Teo for dismissing the Leader of Opposition’s suggestion for an English test to be applied for new citizenship as a clear sign of disconnection between the Minister and ground sentiments on the issue.

New citizens will never let the PAP down

Augustine Low writes that Singapore’s new citizens, who receive numerous benefits and privileges, owe their allegiance to the country. As new citizens are likely to back the ruling People’s Action Party, the low fertility rate gives the party an excuse and an opportunity to welcome more new citizens each year.

PRC immigrants driving up Sentosa Golf Club membership price to S$840,000

SINGAPORE — Bloomberg reported on Friday (16 Dec) that the cost for…