This was first published as an op-ed on The Straits Times on 6 Mar 2024. Corinna Lim is executive director of AWARE.

It is prudent to acknowledge that increasing immigration may be necessary to counterbalance the ageing population.

Singapore’s fertility rate has been declining over the past four decades, despite significant efforts like the marriage and parenthood measures since 2001.

Singapore’s resident total fertility rate (TFR) – which refers to the average number of babies each woman would have during her reproductive years – has steadily decreased from 1.41 in 2001 to 1.1 in 2020, with minor upticks occurring in Dragon years.

The recent announcement of a record low TFR, dropping below 1 for the first time to 0.97, aligns with historical demographic trends.

From pro-natal to pro-family

State support has transitioned from a narrow pro-natal approach, mainly offering financial incentives like the Baby Bonus, paid parental leave, childcare subsidies or tax benefits, to a broader pro-family strategy aimed at addressing the challenges of work-family balance.

Recognising that financial and professional sacrifices, especially for women, remain significant barriers to parenthood, the Government started investing in childcare in 2012.

Fathers are entitled to four weeks of paternity leave from January 2024, marking progress towards more equitable parental responsibilities, although still not as generous as the four months provided to mothers. Efforts are also under way to introduce Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangements to promote work-life balance.

These are all necessary and excellent moves in the right direction.

The Government has signalled its clear commitment in Forward Singapore to support families through every life stage, ensure every child receives a good start, equalise parental responsibilities, provide adequate housing, and promote mental well-being and work-life harmony.

Embracing immigration as Plan B

Despite the broader pro-family approach, Singapore’s TFR will likely continue to decline.

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s cautionary remarks in his 2024 Budget speech about the global landscape remind us of the uncertainties ahead. Climate change, in particular, poses significant challenges, impacting food security, migration patterns and global stability. Amid these challenges, the reluctance to have children in an uncertain world may intensify.

In the light of this, it is prudent to prepare a Plan B, acknowledging that increasing immigration may be necessary to counterbalance the ageing population.

A well-planned and comprehensive immigration strategy is a more sustainable solution than promoting population growth, especially since the global population continues to grow.

Points-based system for migrants

An effective approach adopted by many developed countries is the implementation of a points-based immigration system. Under such a system, various factors, such as skills, language proficiency, family situation, duration of residency in Singapore, connections to the local community, and contributions to the society and economy can be taken into account.

For Singapore, implementing a points-based immigration system offers several advantages. Chiefly, it enables the selection of applicants based on their potential to positively contribute to the country’s development, addressing demographic challenges while attracting talent.

As an example, take the case of the healthcare sector. Singapore faces a growing demand for skilled professionals in this sector to meet the needs of the ageing population. But doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are in high demand around the world, and many countries are offering competitive salaries and pathways to citizenship to attract and retain such essential workers.

The recent pandemic further intensified demand for experienced healthcare professionals. Canada and New Zealand responded by easing their permanent residency (PR) requirements to attract doctors and nurses.

There is precedence for this. Over the past five years, around 1,200 health professionals were granted Singapore PR status on average each year. More than six in 10 were nurses, and the remainder included doctors, allied health professionals and other healthcare workers. More nurses were granted PR status following the Covid-19 pandemic.

A streamlined approach towards immigration by Singapore will not only fill critical skill gaps, but also position the Republic as an attractive destination for skilled professionals, ensuring a steady influx of talent to support our social development and economic growth.

Furthermore, a points-based system enhances transparency, communication, and feedback avenues in immigration policy. By providing clear criteria and a structured process for immigration, it offers clarity to both citizens and prospective immigrants.

This transparency fosters confidence in the immigration system and ensures that individuals selected align with Singapore’s specific needs and values. Additionally, by allowing the Government and citizens to engage in a conversation on immigration, it fosters trust and mutual understanding, moving away from an opaque system that relies solely on government discretion.

The recent reaction to the Government’s move to introduce a new scoring framework for assessing Employment Pass (EP) applications is worth noting. Called Compass, businesses and trade associations welcomed the move, saying that the process had become more transparent and was a positive shift in Singapore’s approach to hiring foreign professionals.

Overall, adopting a points-based immigration system can streamline the immigration process, prioritise individuals who can contribute meaningfully to Singapore, and enhance the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.

In line with the principles of inclusivity and fairness promoted by Forward Singapore, there is a compelling case for the points-based immigration system to be inclusive of all individuals who have contributed to Singapore, regardless of their occupation or income level.

The notion that every job is a good job, as advocated by Forward Singapore, should extend to everyone working in Singapore. Therefore, the eligibility criteria for residency should not be primarily based on financial status or high-skilled professions.

Domestic workers, construction workers and others who have made meaningful contributions to Singapore’s society and economy should have the opportunity to apply for residency if they meet the stipulated criteria. This approach not only aligns with the values of fairness and equality but also enriches Singapore’s social fabric by recognising and valuing the contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds and occupations.

Embracing diversity

Singapore should also de-emphasise the need to maintain its current racial composition in immigration policy. Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Faishal Ibrahim had highlighted in Parliament in October 2020 that the Government calibrates immigration intake to preserve Singapore’s racial balance.

However, the focus for immigration policy should be on attracting individuals who can positively contribute to Singapore’s growth and development, regardless of ethnic background.

This could involve policies that provide opportunities for permanent residency and citizenship to a broader range of immigrants, including those who may not fit the traditional criteria for high-level positions but still have valuable skills and experiences to offer.

By embracing diversity in our immigration policy, we can enrich Singapore’s social fabric, promote cross-cultural understanding, and create a more inclusive society for all residents, regardless of their background.

As Singapore navigates the challenges posed by a declining fertility rate, it is essential to remain realistic about the need for adaptable solutions. While demographic trends present challenges, they also offer opportunities for growth and innovation.

By embracing a proactive and inclusive approach to family and immigration policies, Singapore can position itself to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Through strategic planning and a commitment to diversity, Singapore can build a resilient and vibrant society that thrives well into the future.