Singapore offering eligible parents R136k to have a baby
The pandemic has left couples fearful to start a family due to the financial stress that comes with having a baby.
It's common knowledge that the pandemic left a bad taste in everyone's mouth.
But the fact that a country as esteemed as Singapore is noticing the added effects on their society in terms of low birth rates is slightly scary.
"Singapore is said to have one of the lowest birth rates in the world and has consequently struggled with boosting it for many years." (BBC)
Due to this population issue, they have introduced baby bonuses and they are offering a once-off payment to eligible parents to have babies.
We cannot say that we blame these eligible parents, considering it costs more than a pretty penny to raise a child.
Ironically enough, Singapore's neighbouring countries Indonesia and Philippines are experiencing pregnancy spikes due to the pandemic lockdowns.
"We have received feedback that Covid-19 has caused some aspiring parents to postpone their parenthood plans," Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said on Monday. (BBC)
The current baby bonus that is in place provides parents with up to $7,330 (R136k) in benefits.
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