Second Minister S Iswaran's reply to Parliament Question on ASEAN Economic Community goal of movement of natural persons

Question

Mr Yee Jenn Jong: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what is the status of negotiations on the ASEAN Economic Community goal to free up the movement of professionals; and (b) what safeguards will be put in place to protect Singapore PMETs and to ensure national control over our immigration policies.

Oral Reply by Mr. S. Iswaran, Second Minister for Trade and Industry

Under the ASEAN Agreement on the Movement of Natural Persons, Singapore has committed to allow the entry of intra-corporate transferees at the level of managers, executives and specialists. This means that only such employees of firms that provide services within Singapore through a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate established in Singapore and who have worked in their firms outside Singapore for at least one year can qualify. Entry for these intra-corporate transferees, and limited to a two year period that may be extended for up to three additional years each time for a total term not exceeding eight years. These intra-corporate transferees will still be subject to Singapore’s prevailing Employment Pass (EP) regime, which requires applicants to earn at least S$3,300, and possess acceptable qualifications such as good degrees, professional qualifications or specialist skills.

Singapore has low unemployment.  Therefore, allowing selected skilled labour from ASEAN to work temporarily here enables us to fill our skill gaps without compromising the job opportunities of our PMEs. Measures are in place to foster a level playing field for PMEs in the workplace. For example, the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) introduced by the Ministry of Manpower will take effect in August 2014. The FCF seeks to send a signal to employers on the importance of considering Singaporeans fairly for job opportunities. 

At the same time, the ASEAN agreement also facilitates Singaporean PMEs to work in ASEAN countries, and gain regional experience.  This enables Singapore to tap the growing opportunities around us.  Regional experience is also a critical factor for Singaporean PMEs striving to advance within multi-national corporations.

The Government will continue to help all Singaporeans including PMEs be job ready through our education system, and Continuing Education and Training and employment facilitation programmes.