Singapore more open to immigrants
Now, 30% of the City state’s population is foreigners. Permanent Residents accounted for 10.3 percent of the population, while people from overseas on work passes or study visas and their dependents made up 19.5 percent. According to data revealed by the Singapore Department of Statistics on October 22, the country's population was 4.48 million last year, of which 3.6 million were Singapore citizens or permanent residents.
Early this year the government announced that they have revised the Concept Plan of 2001 which catered to a population of 5.5m, to one which would consider a population of 6.5 million. This will mostly be achieved through encouraging immigrants. Housing, recreation, land transport and future economical needs are being developed based on the new population estimates of 6.5 million in the next 40 to 50 years.
Last year, the Department of Statistics reported that the birth rate has dropped to a record low of 1.24 children per female, the 28th consecutive year it has dropped below the desired "replacement rate". In the face of the declining birth rate and the growing need to grow its economic pie in Asia, Singapore has embarked on an aggressive drive to increase its population; apart from the incentives to the local couples to have more children it is also easing the immigration regulations.
Singapore’s prime vision is to be the talent capital of the global economy and it is visible from the quantum of investments that are earmarked for information technology and human capital development. Many pro immigrant policies have been established thus making it relatively easier for skilled and professional immigrants to acquire Permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
Foreigners of good Character, who are at least 21 and have been PRs for at least two to six years immediately prior to the date of application, and with an intention to reside in Singapore permanently and be able to support themselves and their dependents financially are eligible to apply for citizenship. 13000 PRs have become citizens in 2005.
Singapore is an attractive destination for many foreign talents because of the refined metamorphosis that the City – State is bound to undergo. It is already a buzzing commercial hub with immense job opportunity, and decent standard of living, it will soon evolve into an exciting entertainment hub as well making the city brimming with vibrant lifestyle. The island is a safe haven in Asia with a conducive climate that either rains or shines.
Ms. Ragini Dhanvantray CEO of Rikvin Consultancy which is offering seamless immigration and company incorporation services says “Singapore is admired for its efficient government, first-world infrastructure, solid educational system and clean, crime-free streets. The government has liberalized many of the immigration rules and we find a dramatic rise in the influx of immigrants and many business and services aimed at expats are also flourishing well.
One fine evidence that the country is more open to the foreigners, is the amended property law that was passed last year, making Sentosa Cove the first land in Singapore that could be owned by foreign individuals (through 99-year leases) without special government clearance. This was impossible previously they could invest only in condominiums. In line with 21st century scenario, Dual Citizenship may even become a reality in Singapore”
Singapore is ranked 1st for the ease of doing business in Asia (World Bank report: "Doing Business 2007: How to Reform") and 1st for being the least bureaucratic place for doing business in Asia (Political and Economic Risk Consultancy, June 2006). These are remarkable testimonial to Singapore’s reputation as the ideal location for any business.