Singapore must manage arrival of foreign workers with utmost caution, but also stand firm against nativism: Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong

Indulekha, a volunteer with the Malayalam Language Education Society, handing SM Lee Hsien Loong a flame to light a vilaku, or traditional oil lamp, on Jan 11, 2025. - Photo: ST

SINGAPORE: Singapore relies heavily on immigrants and foreign workers – who raise political sensitivities in many societies – to top up its population base and talent pool, said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The inflow and integration of new arrivals must therefore be managed with the “utmost sensitivity and caution, to ensure the flows are balanced and sustainable”, noted SM Lee.