Makes us proud that more angmos want to be sinkees.
After living in Singapore for nearly 20 years, Mr Nelius Strydom, 55, and his wife, Madam Stacey Tucker, 51, who moved here from South Africa, took the step to apply for Singapore citizenship two years ago.
“Singapore will always be our home, because we got married here,” said Mr Strydom who works in the fintech industry.
Holding her husband’s hand, Madam Tucker chimed in: “Yes, Singapore was where we came together as a married couple.”
The pair had just started dating in South Africa when Mr Strydom was posted to Singapore for work in 2004. Madam Tucker, who now works as a management executive at a law firm, moved to join him in 2006. They became permanent residents in 2008.
The couple, who have three grown-up daughters living elsewhere, were among the 479 new Singapore citizens who received their certificates of citizenship at the annual National Citizenship Ceremony held by the People’s Association on Sunday.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth said that about 23,100 individuals received their Singapore citizenship in 2022. Its spokesman said that while there are slight year-on-year variations, the Government has kept the pace of immigration “measured and stable”.
The application to become a Singapore citizen is open to those who have been Singapore permanent residents for at least two years and are aged 21 and above.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said that factors including the individual’s family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, qualifications and length of residency are taken into account to assess the applicant’s ability to contribute to the country, integrate into society and their commitment to sinking roots here.
Madam Tucker said: “This is the place that I love... I think we are the happiest here than we have ever been anywhere.”
After living in Singapore for nearly 20 years, Mr Nelius Strydom, 55, and his wife, Madam Stacey Tucker, 51, who moved here from South Africa, took the step to apply for Singapore citizenship two years ago.
“Singapore will always be our home, because we got married here,” said Mr Strydom who works in the fintech industry.
Holding her husband’s hand, Madam Tucker chimed in: “Yes, Singapore was where we came together as a married couple.”
The pair had just started dating in South Africa when Mr Strydom was posted to Singapore for work in 2004. Madam Tucker, who now works as a management executive at a law firm, moved to join him in 2006. They became permanent residents in 2008.
The couple, who have three grown-up daughters living elsewhere, were among the 479 new Singapore citizens who received their certificates of citizenship at the annual National Citizenship Ceremony held by the People’s Association on Sunday.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth said that about 23,100 individuals received their Singapore citizenship in 2022. Its spokesman said that while there are slight year-on-year variations, the Government has kept the pace of immigration “measured and stable”.
The application to become a Singapore citizen is open to those who have been Singapore permanent residents for at least two years and are aged 21 and above.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said that factors including the individual’s family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, qualifications and length of residency are taken into account to assess the applicant’s ability to contribute to the country, integrate into society and their commitment to sinking roots here.
Madam Tucker said: “This is the place that I love... I think we are the happiest here than we have ever been anywhere.”
