Migration to Singapore

Singapore is going on the offensive to attract eligible immigrants over the next few years. It has just revised its target population upwards to 6.5 million people. Here are two articles from Channelnewsasia talking about about the upcoming changes.


Population Target Now 6.5 Million
(http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/257659/1/.html)

SINGAPORE: The government is re-looking at how best to use Singapore's limited land space in view of the changing economic environment and projected long-term growth.

This is the first time it is conducting a mid-term review of the Urban Redevelopment Authority's 10-year Concept Plan, which was last reviewed in 2001.

Key changes include planning for a population of 6.5 million over the next 40 to 50 years, an increase of one million from the current figure.

The government says it is planning ahead to ensure there is sufficient land and infrastructure to attract investments and support economic growth.

The comprehensive review takes into account opportunities in high value-added industries, financial and business services sectors, and the tourism sector.

These will help propel Singapore's growth into the future.

One major consideration is the provision of affordable, quality public housing without using up too much land, even as the population increases.

Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development, said: "Within the next 10 years, more of our flats will be 40 to 50 years old. This provides us with an excellent opportunity to explore new ideas for our next generation of public housing that will bring HDB living to a higher plane. In this way we will not only optimise land use, but we also incorporate features that will enhance the residents' living experience."

HDB is also exploring the concept of "Housing in a Park" to complement Singapore's vision of a "City in a Garden."

In future, flats will feature barrier-free facilities and universal designs, and residents may get to collectively decide on communal facilities.

Rail and bus transport will also be enhanced to integrate residential and commercial areas seamlessly.

Mr Mah said: "For a start, the Rapid Transit System (RTS) network will have to be expanded, with more rail lines added to new areas, thereby enhancing accessibility and reducing travel times. The integration between rail and bus services will also be improved for more seamless connectivity."

And there will be a comprehensive pedestrian walkway network, which will extend to park connectors.

Mr Mah said: "Today what we have is about 70 kilometres of park connectors. We aim to increase it to about 200 kilometres by 2012 and eventually almost 400 kilometres. And by having park connectors linking up all the parks with town centres, with sports complexes, and with homes, you can cycle, you can jog, you can simply just enjoy the greenery through this inter-connectivity."

Together with the recently launched "Active, Beautiful and Clean Waters" programme, and URA's conservation efforts, the government hopes to create a distinct city - one that's both interesting and fun to live and play in.

More details of the individual projects will be released by the various agencies at a later date. - CNA/ir



Singapore to Launch Online Tool for Assessing Citizenship and Permanent Residency Applications
(Article from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/258127/1/.html )

SINGAPORE: Singapore's immigration authorities will launch an online assessment tool to help applicants find out if they are eligible for permanent residence or citizenship.

More than 138,000 applications for Singapore permanent residence and citizenship were approved in the last two years.

As of 31 December 2006, there were around 440,300 Singapore Permanent Residents.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will use the online tool to speed up the approval process by weeding out unsuitable applications even before they reach the assessment stage.

It is not designed to be the actual assessment for permanent residence or citizenship, but as a tool to identify early if the applications are suitable for PR or citizenship.

The assessment tool would take about five minutes to fill out.

Applicants would have to enter their personal details, and if it applies, information on their spouses and children too.

An applicant would get an instant answer after each application.

The applicant will be given one of three coloured answers: 'rejected', 'accepted' or 'apply again in one or two years'.

But the tool does not give the reasons behind each answer.

ICA says it is keeping the assessment criteria secret so applicants could not change details to get a favourable reply.

Clare Tan Kui Choon, ICA's Head of Naturalisation, said: "We have to see if they are able to identify with our way of life here, whether they are able to contribute to Singapore's present and future growth as well. These are some of the things we look at."

Applicants can start using the tool from 10am on Thursday. - CNA/ir