The non-resident population was 1.64 million as of June 2020, a decrease of 2.1% from June 2019 and the lowest since 2015. By visa type, work permit holders saw the largest decrease.
“These trends were largely due to COVID-19 related challenges, brought about by weak demand and travel restrictions,” according to the report.
Foreign workers became a key election issue this year, with several opposition candidates campaigning that jobs are getting taken away from locals. The government has in recent weeks taken more steps to promote hiring of Singaporeans and has tightened its framework for issuing employment passes for foreigners.
Separately, Singapore’s proportion of citizens who are at least 65 years old has increased to 16.8% from 10.1% in 2010. The government is projecting this group will account for nearly a quarter of the citizen population in 2030.
