FTrash Have it Good in Peesai!

[makapaaa]

Mar 31, 2010

Tough being a S'pore PR? Try China

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AS A Singaporean working in China on non-expatriate terms, I am puzzled about the grouses of Singapore permanent residents (PRs) like Mr Vishal Garg and his wife Shweta in last Saturday's report ('Almost Singaporean').
I cannot afford to buy a home in China because prices are almost as stiff as in Singapore and I cannot use my Central Provident Fund savings. My two sons cannot attend local schools or participate in local sports because they are not Chinese citizens. They must attend an international school and their annual school fees alone cost more than for a pair of four-year degree courses at the National University of Singapore.
I am almost 50 years old, have done my national service (NS) and am still liable as a reservist. When they reach 18, my sons must return to Singapore to serve NS.
My boys will have to live on their own in Singapore and will add to my financial burden for which the Singapore Government does not provide me with any financial support or relief.
China has one of the world's highest income taxes. Hygiene and safety remain a constant concern. The standards of some local hospitals are nowhere near Singapore's and if we fall ill, we must seek treatment at private hospitals, whose costs are exorbitant.
Given a choice, I would have preferred to remain in Singapore, but I am not complaining.
It is true that some foreigners, for example a top biomedical scientist, bring special talents to Singapore and we must always welcome such talent. But for every top talent, there are hundreds who are here because there is good money to be made and Singapore is a vibrant and accommodating country.
For many years, Singapore PRs have enjoyed benefits as that of citizens without having to pay for it.
In Singapore, citizenship has its privileges, but at least we treat foreigners and PRs with respect and provide them with decent benefits at a minimum cost. In some countries, foreigners are called aliens.
Patrick Tan

 

[makapaaa]

Mar 31, 2010

The good life for PRs

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'The recent changes have not tilted the playing field excessively in favour of citizens.'
MADAM AMILY KOK: 'I refer to last Saturday's report, 'PRs: Has the welcome mat been rolled back?' First, I appreciate the Government's efforts to draw more of a distinction between permanent residents (PRs) and citizens. I had the opportunity of living a few years in Britain. However, as a non-Briton, I was not entitled to certain benefits. For instance, my English friend received a weekly monetary allowance for her child but my son was not entitled to any child benefits. I acknowledged and accepted the fact that as a non-citizen living in another country, I could not get the same 'red carpet' treatment as my British friends. Instead, I focused on and was contented with whatever benefits I did get. PRs should be welcome but does it mean they should get the same benefits and privileges as citizens? I wish to feel valued by my country; therefore, a distinction should be drawn between non-citizens and Singaporeans. The recent changes have not tilted the playing field excessively in favour of citizens. Many PRs acknowledge that Singapore still offers them good prospects and a safe environment.'

 

[cooleo]

>>In some countries, foreigners are called aliens.<<

In Singapore, they get better terms - ForeignTrash

 

[jw5]

I wonder who Patrick votes for.

 

[tonychat]

I am almost 50 years old, have done my national service (NS) and am still liable as a reservist.

Now i know why he always get screwed. Follow the law too much and do not think independently. If he is anyway streetwise, he would not be having reservist after 30 years old and be a millionaire by now.