Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong pledged to tighten restrictions on foreign workers, tackling an issue that has stirred anger in the traditionally open city-state as it recovers from a pandemic-induced recession.
In a key policy speech during a national day rally on Sunday night, Lee said his government will further raise the visa criteria for expatriates, increase salaries for low-income laborers and hold companies to account for their hiring practices. Changes to the salary criteria for overseas workers would be done ¡°gradually and progressively¡± to show that Singapore wants to keep policies outward-looking to accept competition, he added.
¡°We have to acknowledge the problem, so we can address Singaporeans¡¯ legitimate concerns, and defuse resentments over foreigners,¡± Lee said. ¡°Only thus can Singapore remain open, and continue to grow and progress,¡± he added.
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