Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, health threats and travel restrictions have kept people confined within their national borders, making it difficult to see many of the changes in the post-pandemic era. If you have been paying attention to the changes in the world today, you would have noticed fewer people traveling to the sunny tropical island of Singapore. Of course, this does not mean that Singapore has lost its appeal, but rather it signals the risks and opportunities brought by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a heavy blow to the world and has changed all aspects of people’s lives. These changes include business dealings, national economies, travel and tourism, lifestyles, politics, and also a country’s population. Like any other typical first-world country with a declining birth rate that relies on immigration, Singapore’s population data has also been hit hard.
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Singapore’s Total Population Drops Sharply in 2021
According to the latest report from the Singapore Department of Statistics, Singapore’s population decreased by 4.1% year-on-year, the sharpest population decline since 1950.
| Total Population in 2021
As of June 2021, the number of Singapore citizens was 3.50 million. The number of Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) was 490,000. Overall, Singapore has 3.99 million residents and 1.47 million non-residents (including foreign workers on various passes and their dependents, international students, etc.). Added together, Singapore’s total population is 5.45 million. |
As of June 2021, Singapore’s current population was 5.45 million, the lowest since 2013.
The Singapore citizen population decreased by 0.7%, from 3.52 million to 3.50 million.
The Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) population fell by 6.2%, from 520,000 to 490,000.
Due to travel restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of Singapore citizens and permanent residents have remained overseas for 12 consecutive months.
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Reasons Behind Singapore’s Population Trend
Overall, Singapore’s population decline is a very worrying trend. This is the first year-on-year decline in the citizen and resident population since data collection began in 1970. Singapore’s residents include citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs).
Compared to 2019, the number of approved citizenships (21,085) and permanent residencies (27,470) in 2020 also decreased. This was not because the government wanted to reduce approvals for citizenship and PR status, but simply because there were fewer applicants. According to statistics, since the pandemic, about 10,000 S Pass holders and 10,000 EP holders have left Singapore. This brain drain undoubtedly reduces competitive pressure for the EPs and SPs who remain in Singapore.
The decline in Singapore’s resident population is due to the following reasons:
1. More citizens and permanent residents are staying overseas and are not counted in Singapore’s resident population.
2. Due to travel bans during the pandemic, more citizens and permanent residents have been overseas for 12 consecutive months or longer.
3. Due to travel restrictions, many people did not renew, missed their renewal, or did not even know how to renew their permanent residency status.
4. Due to issues with embassies (related to COVID-19 restrictions) and travel restrictions, some people were unable to provide all the necessary documents after receiving their In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.
Due to travel restrictions and “operational constraints” caused by the pandemic, the implementation of safe management measures has limited the time available to complete the final steps for PR and citizenship registration—these are procedures that must be done in person. Some applicants who received their IPA letters were unable to complete the entire process required for permanent residency or citizenship.
The number of overseas Singapore citizens also decreased overall to 179,500, the lowest level since 2011.
Why Does Singapore Need Immigrants?
Singapore needs to offset its declining birth rate to support its booming economy. If new immigrants cannot join the Singaporean workforce, the country will face a shrinking labor force and an aging population. If such a demographic crisis occurs, it will become “very difficult” for Singapore to maintain its development and compete with neighboring countries. The contributions of immigrants—whether in entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, arts, or culture—are essential to help Singapore boost its economy and competitiveness in the global economy.
To maintain sustainable population growth and national vitality, the Singapore government adheres to principles that include keeping Singaporeans at the core of society, creating good employment opportunities for Singaporeans, and providing a high-quality living environment. It is projected that by 2030, the proportion of Singaporeans working as Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMETs) will increase from the current one-half to two-thirds. The government also plans to set aside land to build an additional 700,000 residential units over the next 17 years, double the existing MRT network, and add more green spaces for people to live and work peacefully.
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Singapore’s infrastructure planning is based on its population, which allows the country to maintain long-term sustainability. Maintaining a stable influx of immigrants is an important economic strategy used by the Singapore government. And for immigrants, becoming Singaporeans (citizens and PRs) is a necessary path to establish themselves and thrive in Singapore.
What Does This Mean for Those Planning to Apply for Permanent Residency and Citizenship?
Based on statistics and data, experienced Singapore immigration consultants strongly advise interested individuals to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency now! This is the perfect opportunity to seize the momentum and realize your dream of immigrating to Singapore.
A few years ago, the Singapore government projected that by 2030, Singapore’s population would reach 6.5 million to 6.9 million (including a resident population of 4.2 to 4.4 million, of which 3.6 to 3.8 million would be citizens and 500,000 to 600,000 would be permanent residents). As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this plan, the Singapore government must find alternative ways to achieve its future population goals. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has clarified that the 6.9 million figure is not a population target but a basis for long-term infrastructure planning.
The approval process for Singapore Permanent Residency and Citizenship is very comprehensive, and the government considers the target population size.
Ultimately, it’s a concept of supply and demand. Currently, Singapore is in great need of people, so the chances of getting PR approval are very high. Keep this in mind: if an applicant meets the criteria for becoming a Singapore Permanent Resident and Singapore Citizen, they will be approved. This is only logical.
Furthermore, to prevent the Singapore citizen population from shrinking further, Singapore will need more PRs and new citizens each year. Given the current Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.2, restricting immigration would be detrimental to Singapore’s future development. If you are eligible, you should apply to become a Singapore Permanent Resident immediately.
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What Action to Take Now to Apply for Singapore Permanent Residency?
To apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) or Citizenship (SC), you need to understand how the Singapore government reviews each application and what it expects from potential future PRs and citizens. Therefore, carefully preparing your application for citizenship and PR status is an important prerequisite. Applicants need to seriously consider aspects such as specific professional expertise and experience, the selection and processing of personal documents, and a well-drafted cover letter.
Singapore’s acceptance of immigrants helps to mitigate the effects of aging and low birth rates on its population and prevent population decline.
Whether for economic, security, political, or quality of life reasons, or simply as a beautiful and prosperous city to live in, Singapore is the undisputed choice for the most livable country.
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