Report regarding Anti-foreign sentiments in Singapore

Report regarding Anti-foreign sentiments in Singapore

Introduction

This report has been tabulated on the request of Ms Mary Ho, which was received on the 24th of March, 2013 at 08:00 hours. The report has been compiled by , Executive; National Research Foundation, Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Background Information

The purpose of this report is to discuss the issue of anti- foreign sentiments, owing to various recent events which led to a public uproar against the increase of foreigners within the country. Many initiatives have been taken by the government in order to withstand the public acrimony over immigration laws in the country. In order to provide an instrumental research, various studies have been assessed with the intentions of identifying how anti-foreign sentiments need to be dealt with in an efficacious manner. The report will begin with an understanding behind the persistence of anti-foreign sentiments in the society and will conclude on various suitable recommendations which might be contemplated to eradicate the issue.

Analysis of situation

Singaporeans have been known for their hospitality, the country has been known as one of the most open and accepting people. This can be based on the fact that a total of 48% of the populations within the country is made up of foreigners. Presently foreigners are being foisted into the lives of Singaporeans on all fronts. Considering the element that these foreigners are not susceptible to national services minimal wage regulations has infuriated the Singaporeans. The locals believe that this is rather unfair; the nationals need to comply with various obligations like national services and many more, whereas the foreigners are exempted from any such requirement. Yet both compete within the same market. Many Singaporeans fear that the more highly skilled immigrants enter the country, the lesser jobs will be available for the nationals (Lee, 2012).

The influx of foreigners in to the country can be traced back to the 1970's when the prime minister Lee Kuan Yew who allowed this activity to take place. However it is crucial to highlight that the foreigners were brought into the country as mere workers, for tasks that required additional manpower. As time progressed so did the people who were entering the country and pretty soon high skilled foreigners were dominating the market causing an antagonistic effect on the locals. The issue lies in the fact that the locals now feel threatened, the fear how things will shape up ...