SINGAPORE CITIZENSHIP (Residential qualification for alien husbands and wives)

Mr Bernard Rodrigues asked the Minister for Labour if it is the intention of the Government to maintain the existing minimum two years residential qualification for alien wives of Singapore Citizens for registration as Singapore Citizens and whether similar provision will be extended to alien husbands of Singapore Citizens.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour (Mr Sia Kah Hui) (for the Minister for Labour): The Government intends to maintain the existing provision of Article 57 (2) of the Constitution, i.e.:

'...any woman who is married to a citizen of Singapore may, on making application therefor in the prescribed manner, be registered as a citizen of Singapore if she satisfies the Government -

(a) that she has resided continuously in Singapore for a period of not less than two years immediately preceding the date of the application:

(b) that she intends to reside permanently in Singapore: and

(c) that she is of good character.'

No similar provision will be extended to alien husbands who are married to Singapore citizens. Singapore citizens who are married to alien husbands are expected to adopt the citizenship of their husbands, as is the normal practice in many countries of the world.