Singaporeans support Budget measures to tighten foreigner inflow: Reach survey

Close to nine in 10 Singaporeans support measures recently announced in this year's Budget statement to tighten the inflow of foreign workers, according to a new Reach poll.

The telephone survey of 927 citizens, conducted shortly after the Budget was announced on Feb 25, also found similar strong support for the Budget's overall initiatives.

About 87 per cent support measures to raise foreign worker levies, while about 89 per cent support reducing the dependency ratio ceiling in the service and marine sectors. Some 89 per cent of those surveyed also said that they support tightening criteria for S-Passes and employment passes.

Those surveyed were also asked if they support the initiatives announced in the Budget, and about 80 per cent said yes. About two-thirds felt that the measures would contribute significantly towards building a better Singapore for Singaporeans.