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Source:
www.mha.gov.sg
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Written Answer to Parliamentary
Question for MHA on the Study Mother Situation in Singapore |
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Prof Ivan Png Paak Liang: |
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To ask the Minister for Home Affairs if he
will review the peidu mama situation and, in particular, |
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(i) provide the number of mothers from China
who accompany their children to study in primary and secondary schools
here; |
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(ii) provide the number of such mothers
working on work permits; and |
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(iii) review the procedures for approving
student visas to ensure that the child has sufficient funds for the
entire course of study without an accompanying mother seeking employment
here. |
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Answer : |
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Mr Speaker Sir, "peidu mama", or study
mothers, refer to the group of mothers who are here in Singapore to
accompany their children studying here. |
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As at end Jul 05, there were about 6,800
study mothers in Singapore of whom some two-thirds were from the PRC. |
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The Ministry of Manpower does not allow
study mothers to work during their first year of stay here. This is to
enable them to properly supervise their children who are studying in a
new environment. Thereafter, they can apply for a Work Permit to work. |
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As at end Jun 05, less than 1,000 study
mothers were holding Work Permits. |
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Before the Immigration & Checkpoints
Authority approves an application for a Student's Pass, it would make
sure that the foreign student has been accepted by an approved
educational institution. |
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ICA requires a student studying in our
government schools, private education organisations and ITEs to have a
local sponsor, who will be responsible for the student. |
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ICA may also require the student to furnish
a security deposit. ICA would not approve the application if it has
reason to believe that the applicant is not bona-fide. |
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These safeguards have been found to be
adequate in mitigating any immigration or law and order risk that these
students and their mothers may pose. |
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Out of more than 6,000 study mothers in
Singapore, less than 40 study mothers were caught for illegal activities
for the period from Jan to Jul 2005. |
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As such, we see no need at present to review
the current procedures for approving student visas. However, let me
assure the House that if and when the Home Team detects study mothers
abusing their stay here, actions will be taken against them. |
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Source:
www.mha.gov.sg Press Release 19 Sep
2005 |
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FrontPage Edition: Sun 9 Oct 2005
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