Tan See Leng evades specific employment figures for Singaporeans as 94.5% of 2023’s employment growth goes to foreigners

In a recent session of Parliament, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng was pressed by opposition members for specific figures regarding the employment of Singaporean citizens in 2023, a question he notably did not answer directly.

Instead, Dr Tan emphasized a broader perspective on workforce development, responding to Gerald Giam of the Workers’ Party with a vision that moves beyond a simplistic local-versus-foreign employment scenario.

“Singapore must not view residents and foreigners as a ‘zero-sum game’ and continue to draw divides,” Dr Tan articulated, underlining the necessity of foreign talent for enhancing job opportunities and wages for locals.

This statement was in direct response to concerns raised by Mr Giam about ensuring that the majority of new jobs in 2024 are secured by citizens and residents, especially given the previous year’s trend where non-residents accounted for the bulk of employment growth.

The job statistics report released by the Ministry of Manpower last month shows that 94.5% of 2023’s employment growth, comprising 88,400 positions in Singapore (excluding migrant domestic workers), came from non-resident workers. The remaining 4,900 resident employment growth account for Singaporean Citizens and non-Singaporean Permanent Residents.

Addressing the Member of Parliament for Aljunied’s apprehensions, Dr Tan countered, “seems to be under the misconception that a net increase in foreign employment means that jobs are not going to Singaporeans,” labeling this view as “fundamentally misguided”.

He elaborated, “Thriving businesses with access to complementary foreign talent will not only lead to more job creation but also improve overall wage outcomes as businesses expand and improve their productivity.”

In his response to Mr Giam’s questions, Dr Tan also revealed that about 18,700, or 22.4%, were from higher-skilled Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders.

He added that the remaining increase of 64,800, accounting for more than 77%, was due to an increase in the number of holders of work permits and other work passes in sectors such as construction, which he states are not typically the type of jobs that Singaporeans want to do.

Dr Tan further defended the government’s stance by highlighting the growth in resident professionals, managers, executives, and technicians (PMETs) by 380,000 between 2013 and 2023, in contrast to a smaller increase of 50,000 Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders.

This, he argued, demonstrates the commitment to balancing the need for foreign skills with the development of local talent.

Moreover, Dr Tan pointed out that resident incomes have risen in real terms by 21.6 per cent over the last decade, reflecting positively on the country’s employment strategy.

He noted, “The fundamental objective of Singapore’s approach is to strike a balance between ensuring that businesses have access to the skills and manpower needed to grow and succeed, while creating opportunities for our local workers to grow and progress.”

Dr Tan argues that thriving businesses with access to complementary foreign talent will not only lead to more job creation but also improve overall outcomes as businesses expand and enhance their productivity. “By growing our economic pie, we will be better able to secure positive outcomes for Singapore and Singaporeans.”

In a follow-up supplementary question, Mr Giam asked for the figures, which the Manpower Minister did not answer: “What is the percentage of the 4,900 that goes to Singaporeans?”

He went on to state, “Given the substantial government expenditure used for job creation in Singapore and EDB’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment, the extensive tax incentives given to MNCs, most of these jobs continue to be filled year after year, mostly by foreigners.”

Mr Giam asked, “Is the minister concerned that these government expenditures appear to be disproportionately benefiting MNCs and foreign workers, in particular, foreign professionals, over Singaporean workers?”

Reiterating his points and avoiding Mr Giam’s direct question on the figures for Singaporean workers, Dr Tan stated that as the economy grows, access to a workforce is essential.

“They need access to workers. They need access to foreign talent. They need access to local talent. Now, in a situation where our labor market is so tight, how do we ensure that our startups, our SMEs, our large local enterprises, and the MNCs who make significant FDIs in Singapore continue to grow and tap into and leverage the ecosystem, especially when we are already at close to full employment?”

Dr Tan then posed a rhetorical question, “Is the member, therefore, suggesting that because we are at full employment, we should put a damper on our businesses’ ability to grow? I think that is very shortsighted.”

He concluded with a point that didn’t directly answer Mr Giam’s question, “This is our opportunity to work together to ensure that we continue to create and sustain a thriving metropolis for our successive generations.”