Forum: Look into ways to support foreign nurses better
Forum: Look into ways to support foreign nurses better
I refer to the article 'As competition for migrant nurses hots up, Singapore should be worried', May 17.
Having worked with many foreign nurses, I've wondered why they continue to choose Singapore when countries such as the US, Australia and those in the Gulf region offer higher salaries.
Some countries also provide family reunification options, free education for children, and healthcare for their family.
Work-life balance in some of these countries is also more favourable with shorter working hours and protected time for breaks. And yet, many foreign nurses still choose to work in Singapore.
There are several reasons for this. First, our geographical proximity to their home countries is a major draw.
For nurses from the Philippines, Myanmar and Malaysia, Singapore is just a few hours away – making travel home relatively quick and affordable.
Second, our overall tax rate is lower than in many other countries.
Third, English is our working language and most foreign nurses are comfortable using it in their professional and personal lives.
While Western countries may allow family reunification, spouses often do not receive work visas, limiting their ability to contribute economically. Family reunification may also be less of a factor for nurses without young children, or those with grown-up kids.
Beyond this, we treat foreign nurses fairly and do not discriminate against them. They are eligible for promotions to senior or leadership roles just like locals. Salary increments and bonus schemes apply to both local and foreign nurses.
Still, we must not take their presence for granted. We must continue to compensate our foreign nurses competitively.
We should look into ways to help them cope with rising living costs. The Ministry of Health can consider providing living quarters for foreign nurses at subsidised rental rates.
We owe our country's success in healthcare to our healthcare workers, including our foreign nurses. We must continue to treat them well. Otherwise, we risk becoming just a stepping stone for them to higher-paying destinations.
Dr Desmond Wai
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