Home » Blog » Singapore remains a popular pick for migrants
A recent global migration survey conducted by Gallup reveals that Singapore has the highest potential for immigration in the world. The country topped the Potential Net Migrant Index which is the estimated number of adults who would like to move out of a country permanently subtracted from the estimated number who would like to move to it, as a proportion of the total population. According to the survey, if Singapore were to admit all adults who wished to settle in the country, its present adult population of 3.6 million people would swell to a whopping figure of 13 million.
This comes as no surprise, as Singapore has consciously shaped its immigration policy to attract valuable human resource that is vital for its economic growth. Although, North America and Europe have emerged as the top desired destination countries in the survey, their Potential Net Migrant Index is low owing to their restrictive immigration policies. The restrictions are not only in the form of limits on the number of visas that are issued to foreigners each year, but also includes the lengthy visa processing time.
According to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2008, Singapore’s immigration laws for foreign talent are the least restrictive in the world. For instance, it is relatively easy to satisfy the eligibility criteria of Singapore’s Employment Pass and EntrePass visa schemes as compared to the work visa entry requirements of most other countries. Additionally, Singapore is one of the few countries that encourages foreign professionals to become Singapore Permanent Residents or Singapore citizens. Singapore PRs enjoy many of the benefits and rights given to full citizens and thousands of people apply for PR status each year under the various PR schemes. Testimony to this fact is the number of PRs in Singapore as of June 2009, which is estimated to be about 553,000 from a population of 4.9 million people, and the numbers are increasing.
By adopting an open immigration policy, Singapore retains its advantage in the new global economy and continues to attract highly talented individuals from developed and developing countries within and outside Asia.
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