Job vacancies in Singapore, normally a magnet for migrant workers from across Asia and beyond, hit an all-time high of over 92,000 in June due to strict entry restrictions occasioned by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Manpower Ministry said sectors such as construction and manufacturing have been hit by Singapore’s on-going border restrictions, while growth sectors such as insurance and communications have seen sustained demand for workers.
The number of non-resident workers fell due to tight travel rules, which have been in place across most Asia Pacific countries since the Coronavirus pandemic as declared in March 2020.
The Manpower Ministry’s Wednesday announcement came after a 10-hour parliament debate on foreign labour the previous day.
This ended with the passing of Finance Minister Lawrence Wong’s motion pledging to secure jobs for Singaporeans but criticising what he said were attempts to foment anti-foreigner sentiment in Singapore.
Endorsing Wong’s speech, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Wednesday that “foreigners who live and work here contribute to our economy and society.’’
With one of the world’s highest gross domestic products, measured per capita, Singapore’s economy has long relied on its status as an investment and trade centre open to foreign workers.
Should Singapore turn inwards or become hostile to migrants, “it will ruin us as a global hub and cost us investments and jobs,’’ Lee said.
