Family Fears Arrest for NS Evasion

In a surprising turn of events, a Canadian man preparing to work in Singapore is facing significant distress over concerns that he might be accused of evading national service (NS). Despite receiving confirmation from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) that he is not considered a permanent resident and does not have any NS obligations, his family remains anxious about the situation.

Posting on Reddit under the username u/Life_Eagle_2712, the individual expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension regarding his new job at a reputable company in Singapore. However, his family's fears have overshadowed his enthusiasm; they are insistent that his decision could lead to dire consequences, including potential arrest upon his arrival.

The 25-year-old man has a unique background—having spent part of his childhood in Singapore, he was once a permanent resident but lost that status years ago. His parents are Singaporean citizens and worry that he may face repercussions for "running away" from his NS obligations. They often remind him of stories involving others who have encountered legal trouble for similar reasons, further fueling their concerns.

Feeling the pressure, the post author reached out to the ICA, which confirmed that he is indeed categorized as a non-resident and thus exempt from national service. Additionally, he has successfully obtained a work pass and has travelled to Singapore multiple times since turning 18 without incident.

Despite the reassurances from ICA, his family's panic is palpable. "They keep saying I should probably not go, or I’ll be detained," he conveyed on the Reddit post. This dilemma puts him in a tough spot, weighing his professional aspirations against familial relations.

Seeking advice from the online community, he questioned whether his family's fears were justified or if they were simply being overly cautious. The response from commenters was overwhelmingly supportive, with many advising him to take the ICA's confirmation seriously. Some suggested he print the email as evidence, and even reach out to the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for further assurance, specifically the Central Manpower Base (CMPB).

“Parents are not always right,” one commenter pointed out, emphasizing the importance of following not only the advice of loved ones but also the legal guidance of authorities.

As this man prepares to embark on his career in Singapore, the strength of family ties is tested against the backdrop of legal clarity. While anxious for his family's approval, he is determined to seize this new opportunity—ready to prove that sometimes, taking a step forward is worth overcoming the fears of those closest to you.