MORE Singaporeans are complaining that employers prefer to hire foreigners over them.
But investigations by a tripartite panel that looks at work discrimination issues found that the accusations were invariably unfounded.
'In the cases we have intercepted, employers say this is based on the qualifications of the person and not nationalities,' said Madam Halimah Yacob, a labour MP who is co-chairman of the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices (Tafep).
The alliance does not keep track of the number of complaints, but 'we do see more of them', she told reporters at the sidelines of a conference on fair employment practices.
Noting the concern expressed by Singaporeans who feel they have lost out, Madam Halimah said: 'We tell employers to be very careful and not say they prefer a certain nationality as Singaporeans get alarmed. Their ads should be based strictly on their needs.'
Her comments highlight an issue that has sparked tension in Singapore owing to the surge of foreigners in recent years.
Some netizens have posted job ads online, circling parts of them which specify that only certain nationalities need apply for a position.
Madam Halimah, however, feels the problem is counter-intuitive: 'Wise employers know they should look strictly at merit so that they get the best talent for the organisation.'
Her Tafep co-chairman Bob Tan, who is also vice-president of the Singapore National Employers Federation, agreed.
'From an employer's point of view, we want to hire the best. All things being equal, I would prefer to hire a Singaporean. A Singaporean has roots here. Whatever investments we put in, he will stay,' he said.
'Very often, there is some misunderstanding on why foreigners are hired over Singaporeans. It has got to do with the job requirements.'
Asked if cost is a factor as some foreigners tend to be less costly to hire than Singaporeans, Mr Tan said: 'Not necessarily so. In this tight labour market situation, I don't think anyone is being discriminated against.'
With the Government making clear it is slowing the flow of foreigners into Singapore, he added: 'It makes it more urgent for employers to hire and retain as many Singaporeans as possible.'
- The Straits Times
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