The number of foreign workers in Singapore rose by about 100,000 as of the end of June this year from a year ago despite measures to slow their influx, government data released on Friday showed.
The 7.2 percent increase in the number of non-residents -- those working, studying or living in Singapore but not granted permanent residency -- was "due to strong manpower demand", the National Population and Talent Division said.
The rate was higher than the 6.9 percent increase in 2011, but markedly lower than growth of 19 percent seen in 2008, the NPTD said in a report, adding that the number of non-residents rose to 1.49 million from 1.39 million.
Authorities have been phasing in measures to tighten foreign worker inflows after facing flak from Singaporeans who accuse foreigners of competing with them for jobs, housing, schools and space on public transport.
Citizens have also complained that the influx is eroding their national identity.
The discontent spilled into general elections in 2011 when the ruling party garnered its lowest-ever vote count after more than 50 years in power.
NPTD said the foreign manpower policy measures "will continue to tighten in 2013" but added that the changes will be made "gradually and carefully".
Officials have said Singapore still needs the inflow of foreign workers as citizens are not producing enough children to maintain the population.
The NPTD said that Singapore's resident total fertility rate -- defined as the average number of live births per woman during her reproductive years -- was at 1.20 in 2011, up from 1.15 in 2010.
However, it was still well below the 2.10 level needed for the population to replace itself naturally.
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Singapore's ideal population size? We can afford six million, says PM Lee
Yahoo! NewsroomYahoo! Newsroom – Sun, Sep 23, 2012
Six million.
That's the total number of people Singapore can afford to accomodate in the near future, says Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as quoted by Channel NewsAsia.
Responding to a question from the host during a recorded panel discussion on MediaCorp, PM Lee said, "It's very hard to give a concrete figure, because the situation is evolving. We're gradually increasing our land area, and if we rebuild our older towns,then we can accommodate more people."
"Today our population is over 5 million. In the future, 6 million or so should not be a problem. Beyond that, we'll have to think more carefully," Mr Lee added.
He was responding to a question by host Chun Guek Lay who had asked what was Singapore's ideal population target.
As of December last year, Singapore's population stood at 5.26 million.
Singapore's ideal population size has been a bone of contention in recent years as the country struggles to cope with the influx of foreigners and a record low birth rate.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Singapore's population at 5.31 million in 2012
S'pore's population increases to 5.31 million
Yahoo! Newsroom
By Melissa Law | Yahoo! Newsroom – 20 hours ago
Singapore's total population increased by 2.5 per cent between 2011 and 2012, despite a low birth rate of 1.2 live births per female. (AFP file photo)
Singapore added a little over 128,000 people over the year up to June this year.
In the latest annual Population Trends publication by the Singapore Department of Statistics, the country’s total population reached 5.31 million at end-June, 2.5 per cent more than the figure a year ago.
The number of Singapore citizens grew by close to 28,000 to 3.29 million over the one-year period.
That of permanent residents (PRs) was up by a little over 1,000 to 533,100 over the period. This was a minimal increase versus the 1.7 per cent contraction the year before.
Key population statistics from Population Trends 2012.
The non-resident population grew 7.2 per cent to 1.49 million in the reference period, according to the report.
Non-Singaporeans now make up a total of 38.2 per cent of the country’s total population.
Last year, the DOS reported a low total fertility rate of 1.2 live births per female – far below the 2.1 needed for replacement.
The rise in the population of other nationals in Singapore has led to growing resentment against them by Singaporeans, who blame the foreigners for the rising cost in housing, overcrowding in trains and buses and stiff competition for jo
Yahoo! Newsroom
By Melissa Law | Yahoo! Newsroom – 20 hours ago
Singapore's total population increased by 2.5 per cent between 2011 and 2012, despite a low birth rate of 1.2 live births per female. (AFP file photo)
Singapore added a little over 128,000 people over the year up to June this year.
In the latest annual Population Trends publication by the Singapore Department of Statistics, the country’s total population reached 5.31 million at end-June, 2.5 per cent more than the figure a year ago.
The number of Singapore citizens grew by close to 28,000 to 3.29 million over the one-year period.
That of permanent residents (PRs) was up by a little over 1,000 to 533,100 over the period. This was a minimal increase versus the 1.7 per cent contraction the year before.
Key population statistics from Population Trends 2012.
The non-resident population grew 7.2 per cent to 1.49 million in the reference period, according to the report.
Non-Singaporeans now make up a total of 38.2 per cent of the country’s total population.
Last year, the DOS reported a low total fertility rate of 1.2 live births per female – far below the 2.1 needed for replacement.
The rise in the population of other nationals in Singapore has led to growing resentment against them by Singaporeans, who blame the foreigners for the rising cost in housing, overcrowding in trains and buses and stiff competition for jo
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