Family's Alarm Over Young Canadian Lead to Anxiety About National Service Liability in Singapore

SINGAPORE: A young Canadian man has found himself caught in a whirlwind of anxiety as he prepares to start a new job in Singapore. Despite receiving confirmation from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) that he is not a permanent resident and therefore has no national service (NS) obligations, his family remains deeply concerned about potential legal repercussions related to national service evasion.

In a post shared on Reddit's r/askSingapore, the user, identified as u/Life_Eagle_2712, expressed mixed emotions of excitement and trepidation about his impending move to Singapore. He vividly recounted how his family relentlessly warned him that his choice could lead to severe consequences, with dire predictions of arrest upon his arrival.

"I was initially unconcerned, but now my family insists that I could ruin my life," he wrote, emphasizing the pressure he feels from their warnings.

The young man, who is in his mid-20s, had previously lived in Singapore during his childhood and was a permanent resident at that time. However, after moving back to Canada, he lost his PR status and has maintained his Canadian citizenship. His parents, both Singaporean citizens, are particularly anxious about him returning to the country for work.

Despite ICA's clear communication stating that he holds no national service obligations, his family remains skeptical. The young man had also received an approved work pass and has traveled to Singapore multiple times since turning 18 without incident.

The pressure on him intensified as his parents shared cautionary tales of individuals who faced penalties for NS evasion, further fueling their fears. Caught between the opportunity for employment and his family's apprehensions, he is faced with a choice that could potentially strain family relations.

“Should I heed my family's warnings and stay away from Singapore or are they just overreacting?” he questioned, seeking advice from fellow Redditors.

Quick to respond, other users reassured him that his communications from the ICA should alleviate his worries. They advised him to document the responses and even suggested reaching out to the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for additional confirmation.

“Parents aren't always right,” one commenter noted, suggesting that he relies on official information rather than familial fears.

Encouragingly, the man later confirmed that he had contacted MINDEF and received further verification that he indeed holds no liability for national service, as his status as a former permanent resident no longer applies.

As global mobility continues to evolve, this instance highlights the complexities surrounding residency statuses and national obligations, especially when navigating family dynamics juxtaposed with career aspirations. For many, forging a path forward requires balancing aspirations against familial expectations, an equation that is anything but straightforward.