Dual citizenship

[mmmonkman]

I've a little problem, and I was wondering if anyone here could help me out.

I'll be turning 21 this year, and I currently have both British and Singaporean citizenship. I was born in Singapore (my mother is Singaporean and my father is British), but I never applied for a Singapore passport. I have been using a British passport all my life, and i have a chop on it that states I carry dual citizenship.

I understand that when I turn 21 (which will be in July), I will have to choose one citizenship. Is there a way I can go around this, keep quiet about it perhaps? I'm currently working at the BBC office over here in Singapore, and I'd like to still work here for a long as possible, but retain my British citizenship.

Or does anyone know if there's a way I could renounce my Singaporean citizenship and then apply for Singapore PR? Is it allowed?

Muchos thanks in advance x

[Mad Scientist]

This subject has been discussed over many times. Look at Kraik's Post or SE you willfind some good advise there. Short answer from me is below

I've a little problem, and I was wondering if anyone here could help me out.

I'll be turning 21 this year, and I currently have both British and Singaporean citizenship. I was born in Singapore (my mother is Singaporean and my father is British), but I never applied for a Singapore passport. I have been using a British passport all my life, and i have a chop on it that states I carry dual citizenship.

Answer : the chop is Right of Entry as a minor of dual citizen. You will lose it at 21>22 if you do not pledge allegiance to SG. Hence only visitor permit in SG. No working !!

I understand that when I turn 21 (which will be in July), I will have to choose one citizenship.

Correct

Is there a way I can go around this, keep quiet about it perhaps?

Incorrect. You will lose it automatically. If you can do it, you will be the first. I do not think the Gahmen is that dumb


I'm currently working at the BBC office over here in Singapore, and I'd like to still work here for a long as possible, but retain my British citizenship.

No pledge> no NS> no SG Citizenship > hence no work BUT keep Brit PP
You can try to apply under WP, EP P1 or P2 but no guarrantee


Or does anyone know if there's a way I could renounce my Singaporean citizenship and then apply for Singapore PR? Is it allowed?

No way bro !! Many has tried and fail
Muchos thanks in advance x

[wwzmach]

Its my understanding though that a country cannot force you to give up what is yours by birth right, so although Singapore can force you to submit to alligence to them, they cannot force you to renounce your British Citizenship ?

[Mad Scientist]

Its my understanding though that a country cannot force you to give up what is yours by birth right, so although Singapore can force you to submit to alligence to them, they cannot force you to renounce your British Citizenship ?

OP was born in SG but that does NOT automatically means he is a Sger by birth right BUT since one of his parent is a Sger he is allowed to have a Sger BC by descent but only until 21

True, SG Gahmen cannot force him to renounce Brit Citizenship BUT CAN take away SG one AUTOMATICALLY if no pledge to SG is done at 21

[sundaymorningstaple]

Its my understanding though that a country cannot force you to give up what is yours by birth right, so although Singapore can force you to submit to alligence to them, they cannot force you to renounce your British Citizenship ?

OP was born in SG but that does NOT automatically means he is a Sger by birth right BUT since one of his parent is a Sger he is allowed to have a Sger BC by descent but only until 21

True, SG Gahmen cannot force him to renounce Brit Citizenship BUT CAN take away SG one AUTOMATICALLY if no pledge to SG is done at 21

Are you sure on that one or am I missing something? The birth by descent is afforded to those Citizens who are born abroad. If one is born to a Singaporean in Singapore then they have citizenship by birth. Otherwise every citizen would have to take the oath of allegiance.

An overseas-born minor (child) may be eligible for Singapore Citizenship by Descent under Article 122(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, if his/her parents meet any of the following conditions:

1. Male Singapore citizen by Birth who has a lawful marriage at time of minor's birth

2. Male Singapore citizen by Registration who has a lawful marriage at time of minor's birth and minor does not acquire citizenship of the country he was born by reason of his birth in that country

3. Female Singapore citizen by Birth and minor born on or after 15 May 2004

4. Female Singapore citizen by Registration and minor born on or after 15 May 2004. Minor shall not acquire citizenship of the country he was born by reason of his birth in that country

5. Male (who has a lawful marriage at time of minor's birth) or Female Singapore citizen by Descent has to declare their residence period in Singapore. The application can only be accepted if the parent fulfils the requirements stipulated in the Annex.

The application has to be submitted within one year of the child's birth. Otherwise, a letter of explanation and additional documents are required for the late submission.

All applicants for citizenship must be of good character, have satisfied the residential requirement and have the intention to reside permanently in Singapore. They must also be able to support themselves and their dependents financially.

sms

[Mad Scientist]

Yes yes yes yes yes yes SMS you are right on this.

Got screw up on my head

Need a massage

MS

[mmmonkman]

Thanks everyone for the help. I'm however a little confused. I was born here, and have been a citizen all my life. I carry 2 birth certificates, one British and one Singaporean, and I also have a pink IC. I won't have to do NS as I'm female.

Would it be possible if I just applied for a Singapore passport and later on renewed my British passport when necessary?

[Mad Scientist]

Thanks everyone for the help. I'm however a little confused. I was born here, and have been a citizen all my life. I carry 2 birth certificates, one British and one Singaporean, and I also have a pink IC. I won't have to do NS as I'm female.

Would it be possible if I just applied for a Singapore passport and later on renewed my British passport when necessary?

LOL LOL !!!! Why don't you say so !!

Most of the queries here are related to NS. So , my bad, I assume this.

If there is a stamp "Right of Entry "on your British passport means that ICA SG knows you are holding dual citizenship, you will be flagged once you reach the age of 21.
I will be surprise if ICA lets you go by holding the dual citizenship after 21 as the Constitution and the law does not permit that.
Alternatively you can wait and see once you reach that age , this will be a gamble though. Remember once you lose that SG citizenship , you are a visitor not a citizen in SG which will jeopardise your work status here.
Hope this help

MS

[sundaymorningstaple]

Yes this is possible, but. The only problem is when you prepare to renew your Singapore Passport AFTER you have reached the age of majority (21). Then you need to answer that question pertaining to "do you currently hold another country's passport?" If you lie on that question and are found out, well, it might not be good if you are forced to renounce one or the other. If you are not yet at the age of majority, I would suggest you time your passport renewal to just prior to reaching your 21st birthday (still okay to hold dual citizenship) and that will at least give you the better part of 5 years to figure out what you want to do. Or, you can play cat & mouse and answer the question as you see fit.

[Mad Scientist]

SMS

You are forgetting she has the right of entry stamp on her Brits passport. ICA will know when reach 21 that she has to forgo either one. The pledge of allegiance to SG comes with the proof of renunciation of Brits Citizen.
Unless Brits citizenship can be acquired again later in life which I am not familiar with . Maybe KSL or JP can share this view

[sundaymorningstaple]

Yup! Certainly did. That's what I get for not reviewing the entire thread before answering!

[Mad Scientist]

Yup! Certainly did. That's what I get for not reviewing the entire thread before answering!

SMS

You remembered I PM you sometime ago about those stuff. Well.......
It can be done and it is done.
I have posted it to ScatterBrain if he wants to know his option.
It is double edged but doable.

MS