I refer to the article “Hire locals first” (Straits Times, Mar 30).
Employment Pass decreased?
It states that “EP numbers did rise in that period (2007 to 2012), as they have in every year except last year, when they fell by 1,600.”
The chart shows that EP holders increased from 99,200 in 2007, to 173,800 in 2012.
Why never count S-pass?
But, this may be just half the story, because the the number of S-Passes went up to 142,400 from 113,900 in the previous year.
In fact, the Manpower Minister noted that “some are workers who were downgraded from EP to S pass”, but said the rise in S-Pass numbers is nonetheless “cause for concern” and that the Government is reviewing the S-Pass framework.”
Total employment passes increase?
So, the total number of employment passes (EP and S-pass) actually increased by nine per cent from 289,300 to 316,200.
How can a one per cent drop in employment passes and a 25 per cent increase in S-Passes be said to be a first-time ever drop in employment passes since 2003? (“Employment pass numbers down: Really?”, Jan 31)
S-pass impact PMETs more than EP?
Moreover, a more significant half of the story, may be that the competition for jobs and depression of wages for PMETs, may arguably be due more to the S-pass than the EP.
As to another chart which showed that the salaries of various categories of PMETs had increased from 2009 to 2012, such as low-level PMETs at over $30,000 a year, it may also be just half the story. What was the real increase after adjusting for inflation for the period? Was it negative annualised growth in salaries? (“More educated Singaporeans, but less pay?”, Mar 28)
Priority to Singaporeans?
With arguably, just half the story on the statistics impacting PMETs, how can we figure out how and whether we are giving priority to hiring Singaporeans?
Leong Sze Hian
