SINGAPORE:

A heart-wrenching story has emerged from a young man who feels trapped in bureaucratic limbo after being denied Singapore citizenship twice, despite being a lifelong resident and serving National Service (NS).

Taking to the Reddit forum r/askSingapore, the man shared that he was born and raised in the Lion City. Currently a student at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), he completed his NS two years ago, yet he finds himself puzzled and disheartened by the rejection of his citizenship applications.

"I served in the army and have a commendable service transcript. It's disheartening to see my peers, many of whom are Permanent Residents, successfully gain citizenship while I’m left in the dark," he expressed. The young man noted that neither he nor his family has faced legal issues, stating, "I've never encountered any trouble with the law."

With no feedback on why his applications were denied, he turned to the Reddit community looking for guidance. "I'm lost on what to do next and would like some advice," he wrote, expressing feelings of despair that resonated with many.

The responses from fellow Redditors reflected a shared sentiment of disbelief. Many voiced their frustration with a system where dedicated individuals, who have shown allegiance by serving their nation, still face hurdles in gaining citizenship. "I always thought that completing NS would guarantee citizenship approval," one user remarked, highlighting the perceived injustice in the selection process.

Another commenter pointed out a troubling trend: "It’s strange that those who grow up in Singapore and serve NS don’t receive citizenship while economically advantageous immigrants do."

Suggestions poured in, with advice ranging from pursuing further education, marrying a Singaporean, to increasing one’s community involvement. "Perhaps deepening your roots here will improve your chances," said one user, encouraging resilience in the face of these rejections.

Notably, another user shared a personal anecdote of similar hardship, advising the young man to consider an appeal through his Member of Parliament (MP): "Appeal to the ICA through your MP if you believe you deserve a chance. I felt your heartache, and it’s crucial not to lose hope."

It's important to understand that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) does not disclose specific reasons for citizenship application rejections. However, common reasons for denials could include incomplete applications, submission of incorrect documents, or profiles that do not convincingly demonstrate financial stability or commitment to Singapore.

For those in similar situations, it's essential to know that an appeal can be submitted within six months of rejection. An appeal letter should thoroughly explain why the decision might be unfair, potentially highlighting any recent positive changes in one’s circumstances, such as employment advancements, major life milestones, or community service engagements.

The challenge of navigating the citizenship process serves as a significant reminder of the complexities individuals may face, even after a lifetime of dedication to a country they consider home.

As the conversation continues, one can only hope that Silicon Singapore finds a way to better recognize and reward the commitment of its long-term residents.