The Singapore passport recently became the most powerful in the world, enabling visa-free travel to 192 countries. Michael, a semiconductor engineer who develops microcontrollers used in everything from gadgets to vehicles, chose to give up his Indonesian citizenship for Singapore. He says the decision was not a difficult one.
Family Ties
Getting Singapore citizenship for Indonesian nationals is a life-changing decision albeit a popular one in recent years. This decision to change one’s nationality might impact a variety of things such as access to unemployment benefits or state-sponsored pension schemes in Indonesia. Michael Septian, an engineer who develops microcontrollers widely used in electronics from phones to vehicles, says that he would have faced a ‘skills mismatch’ in Indonesia if he had not become a Singapore citizen. “I also have the freedom to travel within Asia without having to worry about a visa,” he said.
You can apply for citizenship if you have been a Permanent Resident (PR) for at least two years and you are 21 or above. You can apply together with your spouse and any unmarried children aged below 21 born to you within the context of a legal marriage or legally adopted by you. ICA will assess your application on the basis of family ties and your contribution to society. Applicants who fail to demonstrate these will be refused.
Education
The country’s education framework consistently ranks amongst the best in the world, with universities like the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University in the global top 15. It is easier for children to enrol if they have a Singapore passport. In addition, companies prefer to hire citizens and PRs rather than work pass holders. This is due to government restrictions on foreign hires to encourage more locals to be employed and be prioritised in employment. Sociologist Tuti Budirahayu Dra Msi of Airlangga University says Indonesian students are choosing to become Singaporeans for a number of reasons. These include better job opportunities and higher earning potential, more generous scholarships, and a more comfortable living environment, such as efficient public transport.
Another factor is the safety of the city-state, which provides parents with peace of mind for their children to grow up in. Lastly, the cosmopolitan environment encourages children to embrace a multicultural worldview early, equipping them for their future career. ICA takes into account the applicant’s family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, qualifications, age, and profile to assess his or her suitability for citizenship.
Work
Aside from allowing family members to live in the country, Singapore citizenship also strengthens one’s career prospects. As a citizen, you can work in Singapore without requiring an employment pass or visa renewal. This can save you time and money, as well as hassle. However, if you’re considering becoming a Singapore citizen, be prepared to give up your previous nationality. Singapore does not recognize dual citizenship. If you have male children, they will be liable for National Service at the age of 18.
Conclusion
Singapore offers a good quality of life and a great job market. It is also one of the safest countries in Asia. The government has slowed mass immigration and moved to a more strategic selective immigration policy where top talents are welcomed.
Many Indonesians would readily seize the opportunity to live in Singapore, irrespective of whether they acquire citizenship, says Sulfikar Amir, associate professor of science, technology and society at Nanyang Technological University. This is an indication of their dissatisfaction with the conditions in their home country and should be a signal for the government to enhance the employment ecosystem. This will ultimately strengthen the Indonesian economy. Singapore is a highly developed state that offers low taxes and provides visa-free access to the Schengen countries, Hong Kong, China and other states.
For enquiries on Singapore Citizenship applications, call Immigration@SG at +65 6493 1830.
