MFA Press Release: Written Answer to Question 32 of Notice Paper 37 of 2016 - Issue of teenager holding dual citizenships of SG & NZ who is seeking NS exemption

QUESTION NO. 32:

Mr David Ong Kim Huat : To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Ministry has entered into discussions with New Zealand on the issue of the teenager holding dual citizenships of Singapore and New Zealand who is seeking exemption from National Service and, if so, what is the progress of our discussions.

REPLY:

1.       The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZ MFAT) made a request for Singapore to provide a point of contact on the case of a teenager who holds dual citizenship. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has informed NZ MFAT of the point of contact from the Ministry of Defence.

2.       MFA has conveyed our citizenship laws and the principles underlying our National Service (NS), to MFAT.  Pursuant to the Enlistment Act, all Singapore Citizens and PRs above the age of 18 years are required to serve NS.  As the teenager in question is a Singapore Citizen, he has to fulfil his NS obligations. Even if he were to subsequently apply for renunciation of his citizenship after he attains the age of majority, he would still remain liable for any breaches of the Enlistment Act. He is advised to return to Singapore as soon as possible to resolve the matter. 

3.       Singapore adheres to the fundamental principles of universality and equity for NS.  All Singaporeans are expected to fulfil our NS obligations as citizens.  It would not be fair to allow citizens to avoid NS just because they reside overseas. 

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