For the first time ever, Singapore’s resident total fertility rate has dropped below 1.0.
Preliminary estimates show that the total fertility rate fell to 0.97 in 2023, declining further from the previous record of 1.04 in 2022 and 1.12 in 2021.
“There are various reasons for Singapore’s low fertility. Some are temporal, for instance, couples that had their marriage plans disrupted by COVID-19, which may have in turn delayed their parenthood plans,” Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Indranee Rajah said in parliament on Wednesday (Feb 28).
Others cited concerns about the financial costs of child-raising, pressures to be an excellent parent, or difficulties managing work and family commitments, she added.
The minister also pointed out that Singapore’s low fertility rate reflects a global phenomenon where individual priorities and societal norms have shifted.
Laying out the PMO’s plans, Ms Indranee said the government is looking at how paid parental leave can be increased.
“We must recognise that this requires workplace adjustments, and that employers may face challenges in making arrangements to cover for employees’ extended absences,” she said
mmigration policies play an important role in mitigating the impact of low birth rates and ageing on the economy and society, said Ms Indranee.
In 2023, Singapore granted about 23,500 new citizenships, including around 1,300 to children born overseas to Singaporean parents. Another 34,500 new permanent residencies were granted.
“We continue to maintain a measured and stable pace of immigration, which moderates the impact of demographic trends on the size and age profile of the citizen population,” said Ms Indranee.
“We grant PR or citizenship to those who can integrate well, contribute to Singapore, and are committed to making Singapore their home.”
Additionally, the immigration policy also helps to meet Singapore’s future population needs, said Ms Indranee, adding that a higher number of PRs has been granted in recent years to healthcare workers to support the country’s needs.
CNA
