ASSESSING SINGAPORE’S TALENT MIGRATION POLICY: EXPLORING ITS EFFECT AND EFFECTIVENESS

Abstract

The Singaporean government is currently advocating for improved and more effective talent migration policies. However, recent studies indicate that numerous highskilled migrants in Singapore encounter challenges related to precarious employment, temporary residence, and the risk of downward mobility. In light of this apparent conflict, the authors scrutinize the impact and efficacy of Singapore’s recent talent migration policy to understand its effectiveness in achieving stated policy objectives. The authors conducted policy documents, analyzed the contents of mass media, and conducted semi-structured interviews. Findings reveal that although the recent policy has influenced migration flow, economy, and prosperity and has the power to produce results, it has proven ineffective in achieving certain stated policy objectives. This study contributes valuable insights to the existing literature on migration management and policy effectiveness, offering policymakers and stakeholders a deeper understanding of the complexities and potential gaps in talent migration policies in Singapore.
Keywords: immigration policy, policy effectiveness, Singapore, White Paper on Population.