Singapore Citizenship for Baby Born Abroad

[alfred2003]

Would appreciate if any policy savvy can help me out on this issue:

My baby gal was born here in Canada several mths ago. Wanna check out how to apply Singaporean citizenship for her, and when we do so whether a declaration of renouncing Canadian citizenship (which was entitled by birth) need to be carried out? Is it possible for her to hold dual citizenship practically?

BTW, I'm Singaporean, my wife SPR. We're scheduled to move back to Singapore within 2-3 years.

[babykasim]

hi,

my nephew was born in Indonesia, since his mom is Singaporean he managed to switch to Singapore citizenship.

you need to report to the singapore embassy in your country and they will advise you on what to do. but i do remember she had a letter from the doctor stating that her condition unabled her to travel to singapore and had the baby there.

hope this helps,

[alfred2003]

Thx. and, any more guys willing to share experiences?

[Strong Eagle]

Unless memory fails, you don't need to do anything for a long time. Your child can make this decision at the age of majority... and meanwhile holds dual citizenship... Canadian by birth, Singaporean by descent.

You can leave it to her. See these websites.

http://app.ica.gov.sg/serv_citizen/citi ... itizen.asp

http://app.mfa.gov.sg/generator/asppage ... itizen.asp

http://www.getforme.com/previous2004/pr ... s_more.htm

[alfred2003]

Good attachments, Strong Eagle. But what bothers me is ... how can my baby hold dual citizenship at least bf she can make own decision at age of majority? You see in the website it states "..... minor shall not acquire citizenship of the country he was born by reason of his birth in that country", which might be a prerequisite even for minor SC application?

[Strong Eagle]

Good attachments, Strong Eagle. But what bothers me is ... how can my baby hold dual citizenship at least bf she can make own decision at age of majority? You see in the website it states "..... minor shall not acquire citizenship of the country he was born by reason of his birth in that country", which might be a prerequisite even for minor SC application?

You are in one of those wonderful "through the looking glass" situations that Alice found herself in. Singapore can make that statement, "..... minor shall not acquire citizenship of the country he was born by reason of his birth in that country", all day long but it is meaningless because it is Canadian law that made your child a Canadian the moment she popped out of the shute.

Your child can probably hold dual citizenship all her life. She does not have to renounce Canadian citizenship as a naturalized citizen would because she is Singaporean by right. And Canada recognizes dual citizenship. She should simply get her Singapore passport and use it for travel in and out of the country. Unless she creates a major international incident, no one will follow up.

When I became a US citizen I had to verbally renounce my Canadian citizenship as part of the naturalization oath. But Canada only recognizes a written renunciation presented in person to an embassy or consular official. Same with the UK. I am a citizen by right of descent. So, I now hold 3 passports. The US amended the law in 1995 that permits me to hold 3 citizenships without putting my naturalization in jeopardy.

[alfred2003]

Yeah, I do hope u'r right. Hopefully our tiny but rigid home country can keep an eye close on these dual citizenship expats and not hunt them down to death.

[babykasim]

just to share..

one of my sis was born in singapore but my parents changed her citizenship to indonesian.
after all thats happening back there, my parents decided to get her singapore citizenship back for here

apparently singapore is not aware that she had changed her citizenship and that is when they asked her to decide indonesia or singapore. we requested for few more years for her to decide since she's still studying. The problem is that she's now above 21 so can no longer be under parental guidance, hence once she gave up her Indonesian citizenship she must go out of the country when she's still not sure if she could get a job here.
So sadfully she has to give up her singapore citizenship by taking an oath in the immigration early this year.

lesson learned: if the country doesn't do any checking don't volunteer giving out the information!

[alfred2003]

Somewhat uncertain whether it will become another story in Canada. At the time if I submit application for baby gal to the consulate, naturally they have already known she's a Canada citizen - By Birth! So the whole thing is exposed in the air, nothing can I hide.

[Strong Eagle]

Somewhat uncertain whether it will become another story in Canada. At the time if I submit application for baby girl to the consulate, naturally they have already known she's a Canada citizen - By Birth! So the whole thing is exposed in the air, nothing can I hide.

This is true. However, I would be very surpised to see the Singapore authorities force a renunciation of citizenship and it would certainly cause quite a stir with the Canadians who value their citizens.

It's only my SWAG but my guess the registration will be made without any fuss, mainly because Singapore says, "..... minor shall not acquire citizenship of the country he was born by reason of his birth in that country", and that will be sufficient for the registration.

[alfred2003]

might as well take a try first, by then will let u know the outcome. Wish me Luck! and thank u all buddies.

[fredchong]

Dunno if they'll ask you if your daughter was "Made in Singapore" or not.

Joking!

Congratulations on having a daughter. I know the joy. My son was born on 19th July 2005. (in Singapore)

Frederick Chong
Digital Locksmith (and Joker)
http://www.thegadgethome.com