Even as the country grapples with low fertility rate and issue of a stable population, there is need for Singapore to manage its population carefully. This was the crux of the statement by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong while addressing people during the citizenship ceremony.
On the occasion, 150 residents from Ang Mo Kio GRC and Sengkang West SMC officially became Singaporeans and were presented with their citizenship certificates.
Lee said, “With the country's total fertility rate at about 1.3, Singaporeans are far from replacing themselves. About 30,000 babies are born as citizens every year and, to top up, about 20,000 foreigners become new citizens annually.”
He added, “With about 50,000 new citizens every year, Singapore can almost sustain a stable population.”
Speaking about the people who want to become Singapore’s citizens, Lee said, “We have to manage the inflow carefully, and make sure that the people who come can integrate into our society, make sure they have the abilities and skills to contribute to our economy, and make sure their hearts are in the right place and they will become good Singaporeans. We are a country, not simply a city or an economy.”
The Prime Minister congratulated the new citizens and urged them to continue to deepen their roots here.