Increased outflow of Singaporeans

SINGAPORE Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong has expressed his serious concern over increased outflow Singaporeans.

Goh voiced his concern when he joined in the parliamentary debate on the President's Address made on October 4, 1999.

Citing data provided by the Ministry of Manpower, Goh said there are 150,000 Singaporeans estimated to be overseas on long-term basis, including working adults and their dependents, emigrants and students.

Based on the number given by the police, he said each year some 2000 Singaporeans pack up their bags and emigrate, adding that more than half of the emigrants are females, many of whom married foreigners and leave Singapore to join their husbands.

In addition, the prime minister said there are also some 6000 applications to the Ministry of Defense each year for reservist training deferment on ground of overseas employment of duration longer than six months.