2 in 3 Singaporeans polled strongly support foreign worker reduction policies: survey

The government's moves to reduce foreign hires received broad support in a new poll.

Only 68.1% agreed or strongly agreed that it is necessary to reduce the inflow of foreign workers. Meanwhile, just 69.4% were in favor of introducing a calibrated reduction in Dependency Ratio Ceilings in the manufacturing and services sectors.

These two polices, which were announced during the Budget 2012 announcements last month, received the least amount of support from poll respondents, according to REACH in a recent survey of 868 respondents aged 18 above.

"Managing dependence on foreign workers. Initiatives relating to the management of Singapore's dependence on foreign workers are less well received, with 68.1% of respondents agreeing that it is necessary to reduce the inflow of foreign workers. Similarly, less than seven out of every 10 respondents (69.4%) agree with the introduction of a calibrated quota system for foreign workers," said REACH.

Other relatively unpopular measures are the $20,000 Silver Housing Bonus and the enhanced Lease Buyback Scheme, which the government has claimed "will provide an attractive option for older Singaporeans to free up money for their retirement years."

In contrast, policies involving increased subsidies for pre-school learning, child disability interventions, and more accessible healthcare received more than 90% agreement or strong agreement.