Hi all,
I have seen a lot of threads on this topic and I am not optimistic but figured it would be best to discuss and get your thoughts on the matter.
Background: born in Singapore but migrated to Australia when I was 9, and have not been back since. I am now in my mid 20s. I received my Australian citizenship when I was 12/13. I was not aware of my NS obligation at the time and my parents did not tell me believing that the obligation was extinguished when I received my Australian Citizenship.I became aware of my obligations not long ago and commenced the process of renunciation. I received a letter of rejection stating that I need to extinguish my requirement to do NS before I can give up SG citizenship. I shot an email to CMPD but never received a response. I did not follow up as it was not a priority for me at the time (understand that this is a mistake on my end) due to work and the fact that I have no plans to go back to Singapore, but as I am now considering for the future, it would be a shame to never be able to pass through the country. Singapore is a central hub for business and a lot of flights are through Singapore.
I do not believe that I have received significant socio-economic benefit of being a Singaporean - did not renew passport subsequently to it expiring when I was 11, no IC was ever obtained and I have not returned. My immediate family migrated together and there is nothing really linking me back to the country.
I am wondering based on the above, do I have a leg to stand on, and is there any way I can argue this further with MINDEF or CMPD?
Would it be worthwhile to get in touch with a lawyer in Singapore to assist in the matter? Is there any firm that specialises in this?
Any assistance would be much appreciated.
Kind regards.