SINGAPORE, March 11 (UPI) -- Singapore will amend its Constitution to allow babies born to Singaporean women abroad to be considered Singaporean citizens.
Currently only babies of Singaporean men born abroad can claim citizenship.
Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the prime minister in waiting, made the announcement to parliament, while wrapping up a three-day budget debate that included proposals to reverse the nation's falling birth rate.
Other proposals under review are a five-day work week for the Civil Service, as well as granting female civil servants benefits equal to those of their male counterparts, local media report.
A package of incentives to encourage baby-making is expected to be unveiled in August.
"I would like to add though that couples wanting to have babies should not wait till the announcement of the package in August," Lee told MPs.
"The government has decided that the procreation benefits will take effect once we settle and announce them in August. So it is definitely not too early for all couples to start trying for babies now."
