Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on nationality proportions of non-citizen residents in private residential estates

Jan 6, 2020

Dr Chia Shi-Lu: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) which private estates have the highest concentrations of particular nationalities; (b) what are the proportions of the various nationalities in these estates; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider introducing ethnic quotas for private estates to facilitate harmonious relations with Singaporean households in the same areas.

Answer:

Private residential estates located in the central region of Singapore tend to house a higher proportion of non-citizen residents on average, given that the region is closer to many workplaces. The nationality proportions of non-citizen residents in such estates are dynamic, and will change constantly as tenants move in and out. 

We recognise the importance of having diverse and well-integrated residential estates across the island, and are looking at various ways to achieve this. Imposing a quota on private estates, as suggested by the Member, is an option. But this is not something that can be easily implemented, and will have major implications for the property market and for all private property owners.   

Aside from this, we are using other urban planning levers to achieve a better mix in our private estates. For example, we intend to inject more public housing in the city centre, which largely comprises private residential estates today. In addition, our strategy to inject more industry and jobs outside the city centre will also help to spread out the non-citizen resident population across the island. 

We also have various integration strategies to facilitate harmonious relations between Singaporeans and foreigners, not only in neighbourhoods but also at workplaces, schools, shared public spaces, and through volunteering or community work. The National Integration Council works with community groups, immigrant associations, employers, trade unions, and schools to help foreigners understand our local laws, norms and culture, and encourage interactions with Singaporeans.  There are more than 1,400 Integration and Naturalisation Champions under the People’s Association reaching out to new immigrants in the neighbourhood to help them settle into the community. Residents can also do their part to reach out to their new neighbours and help them settle in.