Singapore to limit number of foreign tenants in HDB flats

Growing foreign enclaves worry government.

According to Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan, Singapore is looking into imposing a cap on the number of flats sublet to foreign tenants in HDB blocks.

This concern was raised by MP Foo Mee Har in Parliamnet. She shared her concerns about foreigner enclaves forming in Singapore's HDB estates. She suggested a 10% cap on the number of flats that could be sublet to foreigners in each HDB block.

According to Khaw, less than 4% of HDB flats are sublet to foreigners, excluding Malaysians. However, the proportion could go up to 9% in some areas, or even 18% in some blocks.

"I agreed with MP Foo Mee Har that we need to maintain the Singaporean character of our heartlands. In principle, MND has agreed to impose such a cap. The question is at what level," he said.

The government is said to decide on an appropriate cap soon.

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