SINGAPORE — By 2020, the Republic’s total population could range between 5.8 million and 6 million. And come 2030, the figure could rise to be between 6.5 million and 6.9 million.

Singapore’s total population now stands at 5.31 million with citizens and PRs making up 3.82 million, according to figures as at June last year.

These were the possible population trajectories released today as part of the Population White Paper by the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD). These projections may change, depending on changes to birth rates, life expectancy and social and economic factors.

The White Paper outlines the Government’s policies to maintain a strong “Singaporean core” in the population, create good jobs and opportunities for citizens and build a high quality living environment.

With the Government taking in between 15,000 and 25,000 new citizens and 30,000 Permanent Residents each year — to prevent the citizen population from shrinking — it is estimated that the resident population could reach up to 4.1 million in 2020, with citizens making up 3.5 million to 3.6 million.

In 2030, the resident population, which includes PRs, is projected to be between 4.2 million to 4.4 million. Citizens will make up 3.6 million to 3.8 million.

The White Paper also projected that come 2030, two thirds of Singaporeans are expected to be working in Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians jobs, compared to just half of the population today.

Hence foreign workers are needed to “supplement” the workforce, and ensure the workforce structure has a full range of skills, backgrounds and experiences to serve economic, social and infrastructure needs.

To alleviate the strains Singaporeans face today and support the projected population of about 6 million, efforts to ramp up infrastructure developments, such as transport networks, housing and access to healthcare, are underway and will be completed by 2020.

By 2016, there will be 110,000 new public housing units and 90,000 new private units. Some 4,100 new hospital beds will also be available then.

The Government is also planning and investing in infrastructure ahead of demand.

This includes setting aside land for 700,000 more homes, and planning for more jobs, green spaces, recreational and sports facilities to be located nearer to residential areas like Jurong Lake District, Paya Lebar Central and One North.

The rail network will also double to 360 km, which will put eight in 10 homes within a 10-minute walk from a train station. The Population White Paper can be read online at http://www.population.sg/