• Since 1975, Singapore has been facing the issue of low fertility rates, which means a gradually shrinking and aging local population. As such, the government has loosened its immigration policy and hopes to attract foreigners to Singapore, in order to maintain the country’s economic development.
• According to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) regulations, foreigners who are currently eligible to apply for permanent residence include: spouses of Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents and their children (children must be under 21 years of age and unmarried); elderly parents of Singapore Citizens; holders of Singapore’s Employment Pass or S Pass who are working in Singapore; foreign students studying in Singapore and foreign investors.
• When assessing the application for permanent residence, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority will take into consideration whether the applicant has family ties with Singaporeans, his/her economic contributions, academic qualifications, age, family profile, length of residency in Singapore, as well as the applicant’s ability to contribute to Singapore and integrate into Singapore’s society.
• Male foreign students who are granted permanent residence must register for national service upon reaching the age of 16 and a half years old, and they will receive the notification for enlistment upon reaching the age of 18. Male applicants who are granted permanent residence will also receive notification for enlistment, even if they are over 18 years old.

Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Teo Chee Hean reminds that it is also very important to maintain an open, welcoming and inclusive society, as this will affect whether new immigrants decide to build a home in our country. (Lianhe Zaobao, 15/1/2018）

永久性居民（Hong Kong）, 永久居留者（Taiwan）