About 1,200 Singaporeans renounce citizenship annually in last five years
An average of 1,200 Singaporeans renounced their citizenship every year between 2007 and 2011. Of these, 300 were naturalised citizens.
SINGAPORE: An average of 1,200 Singaporeans renounced their citizenship every year between 2007 and 2011.
Of these, 300 were naturalised citizens.
But the renunciation rates for both naturalised citizens and Singapore-born citizens were low at 0.1 per cent or less.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean gave this update in Parliament on Tuesday.
Mr Teo also explained why some give up their citizenship and assured members that every application for citizenship was carefully evaluated.
Mr Teo said: "Every application for permanent residence or Singapore citizenship is evaluated holistically on a range of criteria, including economic contributions, qualifications, age, family profile, and length of stay in Singapore.
"The reasons for emigration vary. Some emigrants leave for family reasons, because of marriage or to reunite the family members overseas, while others do so for a different living environment.
"All Singapore citizens and permanent residents who own HDB flats will have to sell their properties if they renounce their citizenship or cease to be permanent residents. There are no exceptions to this rule."
