In a commentary, SMU Associate Professor of Sociology Yasmin Ortiga, who authored the book "Stuck At Home: Pandemic Immobilities In The Nation Of Emigration", discussed the evolving challenges Singapore faces in recruiting and retaining migrant nurses. She highlighted that while Singapore has historically served as a "stepping stone" for nurses seeking opportunities in Western countries, this is changing as those countries now offer more direct pathways. There is also increased competition from other stepping-stone countries whose wages are comparable with Singapore's but require less stringent credentials. This increased global competition, coupled with factors like family separation and demanding work conditions, makes it harder for Singapore to rely on a continuous influx of new migrant nurses to replenish its healthcare workforce. Assoc Prof Ortiga suggests that Singapore needs more creative solutions beyond monetary incentives and permanent residency pathways, such as more flexible entry requirements and better support for nurses' well-being and family connections.
