After the former PM, Mr. GCT alleged that those who emigrated are "quitters", I wrote to him to urge the government to consider allowing dual citizenship.
I believe that one of the major issues is National Service, because when a male individual has dual citizenship, it is difficult for the Government of Singapore to ensure loyalty, and enforce the law pertaining to NS.
I do hope that the Government of Singapore will allow dual citizenship to those who have completed NS.
I am very encouraged by this lastest interest and hope the government would allow dual citizenship.
I see several scenarios here:
- Work overseas, Retire in Singapore
The person takes up foreign citizenship, live and work in the foreign country and enjoy full benefits of the foreign citizenship without losing Singapore citizenship. Upon retirement, he can come back and enjoy his retirement in Singapore.
Of course, in the event of war, famine or other disaster, the person can always come back to Singapore early.
- Work in Singapore , Retire overseas
The person takes up foreign citizenship (which would require him to spend some years aboard to acquire the citizenship) and once he has his foreign citizenship, he returns to Singapore to work. Upon retirement, he will return to the foreign country to enjoy his retirement. This option is to "secure" the foreign citizenship first as it may not be possible to acquire foreign citizenship in the future (either foreign country's rules and regulation change or the person is too old to qualify for foreign citizenship)
- Work overseas, Retire Overseas
The person takes up foreign citizenship and retains his Singapore citizenship. He will work and retire overseas. In the event of war, famine or other disaster in the foreign country, the person can return to Singapore.
- Work in Singapore, Retire in Singapore
The person takes up foreign citizenship and retains his Singapore citizenship. He will work and retire in Singapore. In the event of war, famine or other disaster in Singapore, the person can quit to the foreign country.
Don't forget dual citizenship is an option. You can choose to either
keep your Singapore citizenship or
give up your Singapore citizenship.
For those who do not have funds other than CPF and if you need to use the CPF funds badly, then you may have to give up your Singapore citizenship to access the funds. But don't forget, if you are a married couple, the husband can give up Singapore citizenship to use his CPF funds while the wife keep her Singapore citizenship so that dual citizenship benefits can still be somewhat enjoyed.