Manpower Minister stresses that foreign talent complements local workforce, fostering job growth and wage improvements
In response to a question in Parliament on April 2, 2024, Singapore’s Manpower Minister Tan See Leng emphasized that the country must not perceive the competition for jobs between residents and foreigners as a “zero-sum game.” Tan addressed concerns raised by the opposition about foreign workers occupying a significant portion of job growth in 2023. He explained that foreign talent plays a complementary role, aiding business growth, which ultimately benefits local job creation and wage increases.
He outlined that Singapore’s economic strategy seeks to strike a balance between providing businesses with necessary foreign skills while ensuring opportunities for local workers. Tan highlighted that between 2013 and 2023, the number of local professionals, managers, executives, and technicians (PMETs) grew significantly, outpacing the rise in foreign work permits. Additionally, resident wages saw real-term increases over the decade.
With Singapore’s resident workforce growth slowing, Tan reiterated the importance of remaining open to foreign labor, especially for sectors like construction, where jobs are less appealing to locals. He also responded to concerns about foreign direct investment (FDI) disproportionately benefiting multinational companies and foreign professionals, stressing that attracting FDI is crucial for economic growth and the tight labor market.
The Minister also noted that Singapore’s employment and unemployment rates remain low, and with a highly competitive job market, foreign talent continues to play a vital role in supporting the economy’s growth.
