Home Affairs and Coordinating Minister for National Security K Shanmugam has said Singapore’s population increase to 6.11 million in June 2025 is largely driven by foreign workers.
He stressed that these workers are vital to sustaining the country’s economic growth.
Speaking at the Asia Future Summit on 9 October 2025, Shanmugam responded to public concerns about overcrowding, infrastructure strain, and national identity arising from the recent population figures.
Population increase mainly from foreign workers
According to the Population in Brief 2025 report released on 29 September 2025, Singapore’s total population rose by 1.2 per cent from the previous year.
The increase reflects both immigration inflows and the return of foreign labour after pandemic disruptions.
The non-resident population, which includes foreign workers, dependants, domestic helpers, and international students, grew by 2.7 per cent — from 1.86 million in 2024 to 1.91 million in 2025.
The main contributors were Work Permit Holders in construction, followed by migrant domestic workers.
Shanmugam said these foreign workers form the backbone of Singapore’s key industries, including construction, manufacturing, shipping, and food and beverage.
“We will collapse without them,” he said.
“The more of them, the more the economy grows.”
The minister urged Singaporeans to interpret the population figures with greater nuance.
“The government, in my view, is too purist in putting it out as 6.11 million,” he said, noting that most citizens are more concerned about resident numbers — that is, citizens and permanent residents (PRs).
Shanmugam: Foreign workforce essential for ongoing projects
Shanmugam emphasised that demand for foreign labour remains high due to major infrastructure and development projects.
He cited Changi Airport Terminal 5, expansions by PSA, and large-scale public housing and transport developments as examples of projects heavily dependent on foreign manpower.
He added that while many small and medium enterprises continue to claim labour shortages, the Manpower Ministry reports record numbers of work permit holders.
“Every time I see the Manpower Minister Dr Tan See Leng, he says our numbers are the highest ever. Yet SMEs still say they don’t have enough workers,” he said.
Calls for clearer presentation of population data
Shanmugam shared that he had previously suggested a different way of presenting population data, proposing that the government distinguish between residents and foreign workers more explicitly.
“I suggested at the time that we should say our population is 5.8 million, and this is how we project it will be, and the rest all foreign workers,” he said.
“But my cabinet is made up of people who say we must be totally precise on the total numbers.”
He added that while the total figure of 6.11 million is accurate, public understanding would improve if data presentation reflected citizens’ primary concerns.
“Singaporeans should be told this in a way they understand,” he said.
Despite differences in interpretation, Shanmugam emphasised that Singapore remains fully transparent about its population statistics.
“But we also need to identify what Singaporeans are really concerned with.”
The Population in Brief 2025 report showed that while total numbers have risen, Singapore’s resident population (citizens and PRs) increased only slightly, from 4.18 million in 2024 to 4.20 million in 2025.
In 2024, 22,766 individuals were granted Singapore citizenship — the highest number on record — and 35,264 new PRs were issued, the highest since 2010.
Shanmugam stresses Singapore’s merit-based approach to immigration and contrasts it with Europe’s policies
In a separate segment of the dialogue, Shanmugam also shared personal views on immigration.
He stressed that while empathy for global suffering is essential, every country must be practical in managing immigration.
“Your heart has got to be in the right place,” he said.
“But no single country — not even the US — can take all of the world’s people who want to move in.”
He cautioned that excessive generosity without consideration of local resources can lead to public resentment.
Referring to Europe, he said some governments have “lost the debate on immigration because the far left has taken over.”
Shanmugam contrasted Singapore’s approach with that of Europe, saying the city-state admits newcomers based on their potential to add value to society.
“Our approach has been: I take you in if you are going to add value. If not, you cannot come,” he said.
He added that Singaporean taxpayers bear the cost of housing and integrating immigrants, reinforcing the need for a selective system.
“Every country has to be sensible. Culture is different, attitudes are different,” he said.
Shanmugam said he has received repeated lectures from European diplomats urging Singapore to accept more migrants.
“I’ve always said to them — I am 720 square kilometres. If you are so concerned, you are much bigger. I will take them, but you take them from me,” he said. “The conversation usually ends there.”
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