MOCHS wrote: ↑Sat, 25 Sep 2021 10:52 am
Lisafuller wrote: ↑Sat, 25 Sep 2021 2:07 am
I feel that PRs should have the autonomy to choose when to stay and when to go.
I disagree. Then it defeats the purpose of PR in the first place. All over the world, no matter which country you go to, PR has always been a step towards citizenship. One takes PR because they want to settle
permanently, it’s in the name. Or should it be renamed as “transient residency until retirement” then?
I do not fault PRs that do have intentions to become SCs but due to circumstances out of their control back home, they have no choice but choose to give it up.
But I do find it unsavoury if someone gets PR in the first place with the intention to never stay here forever. You don’t realise how privileged you are when most people in the world don’t have that luxury.
Yes, immigration is a multi-faceted issue but when PRs jumping ship happens so often, the citizens can’t help but feel jaded. Do these PRs really integrate? Do they really know the colloquial slang? Do they do what the locals do? Or do they stick to their
condo enclave/expat bubble and never venture out into the heartlands.
People who get PRs in other Western countries almost always obtain citizenship there instead of just deciding to return back to their home countries. Why is this not the case in SG? Seems into be a “uniquely SG” thing.
I have often said there should be a visa status that is in between PR and EP… I would suggest LTR, or long-term resident. But, the definition of permanent can also mean durable and long-lasting. I believe PR is exactly that. Not just in Singapore, but just about every country. And, let’s face it, if it really was permanent, you wouldn’t need to renew your REP.
If taking up PR without the intention of staying forever is unsavory, then what about giving PR without the intention of giving SC? That does not happen in most countries, it’s like having second thoughts… oh, we needed you then, but hmmm, maybe we don’t need you now (sorry, better options have come into the pool). That is a bit like having your cake and eating it too. I don’t blame Singapore, she is just looking out for her best interests, but by the same token, you can’t blame people for doing the same.
Yes, people who get PR in other countries generally do obtain citizenship. But it is not out of a sense of duty or obligation, and certainly not because they feel so honored to have PR status bestowed upon them. That would really rich, considering the value of PR here has become so watered down.
In other counties, PR is generally indistinguishable with citizenship in terms of benefits enjoyed. For the US, about the only difference is voting rights. And, nobody gets judged if they give up their PR and leave — that would be a pretty snooty thing to do!