An economic perspective on immigration

Abstract

Abstract Singapore rejects admitting any refugees, a policy that is consensual between the government and the opposition. This stance is, in a way, surprising, given that Singapore is a highly developed country with one of the largest shares of migrants in the world. Chapter 9 argues that Singapore’s anti-refugee policy is firstly based on emphasizing the principle of national self-determination; as a former colony, Singapore does not want interference in its affairs by international law or any international institution. Secondly, Singapore sees itself in economic terms. Foreigners are seen from the standpoint of how much human capital and wealth they bring; refugees are seen as people who are likely to bring no gain to Singapore. Finally, the economic interpretation of migrants and refugees is complemented by a cultural framing. More migrants, especially those interpreted as economically “useless” like refugees, would threaten Singapore’s cultural identity by upsetting the society’s multiethnic balance.