Growing Support for Pritam Singh’s Proposal on English Test for Singapore Citizenship

SINGAPORE: In a parliamentary debate on Feb. 27, Workers’ Party chief and Leader of the Opposition, Pritam Singh, advocated for an English proficiency test as part of the evaluation process for individuals applying for Singapore citizenship or permanent residency. Singh’s suggestion came during the Committee of Supply debates for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Highlighting the latest Singapore Census, which revealed that 48.3 per cent of the resident population speaks English most frequently at home, compared to 32.3 per cent a decade ago, Singh raised the question of whether English proficiency should be a criterion for citizenship. He argued that such a test could facilitate better integration between new citizens and Singaporeans of all races, given that English is the main language of communication in the country.

Second Minister for Home Affairs, Josephine Teo, responded with skepticism, questioning the need for such a test. She pointed out that many of those with lower English proficiency are likely to be spouses of Singaporeans, adding that social integration is evaluated through markers like family ties, National Service completion, and economic contributions. Teo remarked that many long-term residents, despite not speaking English fluently, are well-integrated into Singaporean society.

Singh emphasized the need for a robust citizenship process, especially as Singapore’s fertility rate hits a historical low of 1.05. He argued that new citizens are critical to the country’s future and that Singaporeans expect genuine commitment from those seeking citizenship, not just the privileges of a Singapore passport.

The debate sparked considerable interest, with netizens largely supporting Singh’s stance on language proficiency as a means of fostering integration. Some, however, defended Teo’s position, arguing that social markers beyond language should also be considered.