95% of jobs growth went to foreigners?

August 1, 2014

I refer to the article “Unemployment rates in Q2 hold steady amid tight labour market: MOM” (Channel NewsAsia, Jul 31).

Only Singaporeans unemployment rate increase?

It states that “Preliminary estimates released by the ministry’s Research and Statistics Department on Thursday (July 31) showed that the overall seasonally adjusted unemployment rates remained at 2.0 per cent – similar to that of the first quarter.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for citizens stayed constant at 3.0 per cent, while resident unemployment rate improved slightly from 2.9 per cent to 2.8 per cent over the same period, according to the figures.”

Only Singaporeans hardest hit by unemployment?

What do the above statistics mean?

That only the unemployment rate of citizens did not improve? Does it mean that Singaporeans found it harder to get jobs relative to PRs and foreigners?

Since foreigners are all on employment pass, S-pass or work permits – there is in a sense, hardly any unemployment amongst foreigners.

95% of jobs growth went to foreigners?

The number of unemployed Singaporeans in June increased by 20,900, from 52,300 in March to 73,200     in June.

Since employment growth for the second quarter was 22,000  –  does it mean that about 95% (20,900 divided 22,000) of the increase in jobs went to non Singaporeans?

If so, what ever happened to the consistent rhetoric in recent years about “Singaporeans First” and curtailing the influx of foreigners?

What’s the point of the relentless chase for jobs growth when most of the jobs don’t go to Singaporeans?

S Y Lee and Leong Sze Hian

P.S. Come with your family and friends to the National Day protest on 9 August 12 pm to 6.00 pm at Speakers’ Corner https://www.facebook.com/events/271583499702725/

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About the Author

Leong
Leong Sze Hian has served as the president of 4 professional bodies, honorary consul of 2 countries, an alumnus of Harvard University, authored 4 books, quoted over 1500 times in the media , has been a radio talkshow host, a newspaper daily columnist, Wharton Fellow, SEACeM Fellow, columnist for theonlinecitizen and Malaysiakini, executive producer of Ilo Ilo (40 international awards), Hotel Mumbai (associate producer), invited to speak more than 200 times in about 40 countries, CIFA advisory board member, founding advisor to the Financial Planning Associations of 2 countries. He has 3 Masters, 2 Bachelors degrees and 13 professional  qualifications.