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In an interview on Friday (Aug 28), Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing debunked three misconceptions about the Singapore-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (Ceca).
The free trade pact has come under attack from some quarters on social media in recent months as well as during the general election.
Myth: Ceca grants Indian nationals unconditional access to Singapore and immigration privileges
It is not true that Ceca gives Indian nationals the right to take up citizenship or permanent residency, said Mr Chan. In Chapter 9 of the agreement on movement of natural persons, Article 9.1.2 states: “This Chapter shall not apply to measures pertaining to citizenship, permanent residence, or employment on a permanent basis.”
The proportion of ethnic Indian citizens in the Singapore population has remained stable, he said.
The agreement does not oblige Singapore to automatically grant employment passes (EPs) to Indian nationals. Like all other foreigners, they must meet the prevailing EP criteria, like minimum salary thresholds.
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