Release of Data on Breakdown in New Citizenships and Permanent Residencies by Country of Birth

Questions:

Ms He Ting Ru: To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether there has been a change in the Government's policy on releasing the breakdown in the new citizenships and permanent residencies by country of birth; and (b) if not, whether the Government will release more granular data for citizens to better understand the trends of Singapore's societal make-up.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. We have explained previously in Parliament that we do not provide data on the number of new citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) by specific countries of origin, because this can create bilateral sensitivities and is not in our national interest.

2. Our position has not changed.