Examining the Growing Disconnect Between Locals and Foreign Residents
“I will never live in Singapore as an expat again.”
Quinn’s experience in Singapore—with her family of six, including two young children—has been challenging. Earlier this year, an incident at Changi Airport marked an unpleasant conclusion to their time in the city, leading her family to decide to leave.
Her story touches on central themes in Singaporean society: the dynamics between guests and hosts, border restrictions, and the excessive focus on procedures. Currently, discussions are swirling about what an endemic Singapore might resemble, yet it appears that a truly progressive and cautious approach is still pending—dramatic changes seem necessary to prevent stagnation. Recently, there have been tentative steps towards a gradual reopening, such as the announcement of the F1 hosting contract renewal.
However, despite high vaccination rates and the diminished severity of the Omicron variant, Singapore continues to cling to restrictive measures. How can we commit to reviving a vibrant event like the F1 night race while simultaneously banning live sports and music and enforcing an informal 10:30 PM curfew?
This contradiction is perplexing for Quinn and other expats who have yet to experience Singapore in its pre-2020 form. Throughout her time here, Quinn has noticed a prevailing intolerance for deviations from established protocols. By “process,” she refers to the COVID-related regulations that have been implemented over the past two years. People are prone to making mistakes; after all, we are not machines. Yet, there seems to be an expectation for everyone to adhere strictly and unquestioningly to ever-changing rules.
The consequences for not following the guidelines are severe—fines, imprisonment, and social media shaming. However, there is a less understood consequence: the culture of surveillance that has emerged among civilians, undermining our ability to coexist peacefully.
A Shift from Connection to Surveillance
Quinn and her husband, Michael, both in their mid-40s, are seasoned expats who have spent most of their married life abroad. After living in the UAE, they eagerly accepted an opportunity to relocate to Singapore in late 2019.
Initially, their time in Singapore was enjoyable, marked by friendly interactions with locals. However, the pandemic shifted their experience. Quinn volunteered to donate food to migrant worker dormitories during the lockdown and was disheartened when a politician arrived with a photographer, prompting her to step out of the frame because it “didn’t look good” for an expat to be helping.
“That’s when I began to notice this ‘us vs. them’ mentality,” Quinn reflected.
Breaking Point
Quinn’s family has faced challenges in their attempts to navigate life in Singapore, especially regarding public gatherings. During a meal at an open-air food court, they complied with regulations by splitting into two tables. When Quinn helped her younger children with their food, a local woman confronted her, filming the encounter and publicly shaming her.
“It was after this incident, along with seeing numerous videos of foreigners online, that I felt we were held to a higher standard than locals,” Quinn shared. “My children were humiliated by the hostility.”
The Last Straw
The pandemic’s border restrictions forced Quinn to miss significant life events with her family back home, and local friends showed little empathy towards her situation. In December 2021, Quinn and Michael decided to return home after two years of isolation, booking a much-needed family vacation in Europe.
When they attempted to return to Singapore, they were unexpectedly denied entry despite having the necessary documentation. Their experience at immigration felt accusatory, leaving them frustrated and emotionally drained.
“This made me realize that expats are viewed as adversaries rather than welcomed guests in Singapore,” Quinn said.
The Road Ahead
During a layover in the UAE, Quinn and Michael were welcomed back with ease, leading them to reconsider their future in Singapore. Upon their return, they finally received approval for re-entry, but the situation left a lasting impression.
“Arriving in the UAE felt like coming home. In Singapore, I felt treated like a criminal, but here, we were welcomed,” she noted.
While the pandemic has made life increasingly difficult for many expats, it is crucial to recognize the broader implications of a culture rooted in surveillance and mistrust. Quinn’s experience reflects a growing concern that Singapore is becoming less welcoming to foreigners, fostering an environment where outsiders are scrutinized and excluded.
If Singapore continues to narrow its criteria for accepting foreign talent and views them as unwelcome guests, it risks alienating those who contribute significantly to the nation’s growth and development. Ultimately, Singapore must confront the pressing question: What does it mean to be a good host country, and how can it ensure that foreigners feel valued and welcomed?
