Singapore News

In a poignant tale of longing and determination, a young man, who has spent his entire life in Singapore, has expressed his frustration after receiving two citizenship rejections from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). This emotional saga unfolds within the Reddit community, where he shared his predicament on January 4.

Born and raised in Singapore, this aspiring engineer is currently enrolled at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and recently finished his National Service (NS) about two years ago. Despite his unwavering dedication and exemplary performance during his military service, he finds himself bewildered as he watches his high school friends, who hold Permanent Resident (PR) status, successfully obtain citizenship while his own applications were turned down.

“I completed NS with a great record and have never encountered any legal issues,” he lamented. “Yet, I’ve been rejected twice since my service ended, and I’m at a loss about what to do next.”

The young man's post sparked a wave of support and advice from fellow Singaporeans, many of whom were equally astonished by his plight. “I always thought that completing NS would guarantee citizenship approval; I guess I was mistaken,” one Reddit user noted. Another echoed the sentiment, highlighting a perceived systemic flaw: “It’s perplexing that those who grew up here and served our nation don’t secure citizenship, while economically motivated immigrants do.”

Some users suggested potential strategies, such as finishing his degree, marrying a Singaporean, and establishing deeper roots in the community to bolster his application. Encouragement poured in with reminders to not lose hope and to persist in his quest for citizenship.

One sympathetic user shared personal experience: “I faced similar challenges after growing up in Singapore and serving NS. I appealed through my Member of Parliament (MP) and managed to reverse my situation, so don’t despair; there are paths forward.”

Though the ICA does not publicly disclose the reasons behind citizenship rejections, common issues include procedural errors, incomplete applications, or insufficient evidence of commitment to the country. Qualifying factors such as financial stability, career prospects, and community involvement are also crucial in making a case for citizenship.

If rejected, candidates have the option to submit an appeal to the ICA within six months. This letter should highlight recent developments that strengthen their application, such as job promotions, personal milestones like marriage or parenthood, and active participation in local charities.

As this young man grapples with his disheartening situation, he finds solace in the supportive online community, reminding him that he is not alone in his journey. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional investment countless residents make in their quest to belong to the nation they call home.

Will he eventually succeed in his pursuit of citizenship? Only time will tell. Keep an eye on this developing story!