Singapore’s Expat Numbers Slump to Lowest Level Since 2010

The business district in Singapore.

Photographer: Lauryn Ishak/Bloomberg
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The number of expatriate white-collar workers in Singapore fell to the lowest in more than a decade, suggesting that the city hasn’t yet benefited from an exodus of professionals from the rival finance hub of Hong Kong.

Ministry of Manpower figures released on Wednesday show that Employment Pass holders - a type of visa issued to foreign professionals, managers and executives earning at least S$4500 ($3300) per month - fell by 9% in the year ended December 2021 to 161,700.