He must be a fan of chilli crab instead of sushi..
A man living in Japan recently discovered that he holds Singaporean citizenship, a fact unbeknownst to him for several years, placing him in a precarious position with regards to his National Service (NS) obligations. Seeking guidance on the online platform Reddit, the man, who self-identifies as “half Japanese and half Singaporean Chinese,” shared his predicament.
Having spent a portion of his childhood in Singapore before relocating to Japan, the individual detailed his schooling experience in both countries, highlighting his lack of awareness regarding his citizenship status. His family’s move back to Japan in 2016 was attributed to the high cost of living in Singapore, a decision that inadvertently led to the discovery of his citizenship.
During a visit from Singaporean relatives, discussions regarding his citizenship arose, ultimately culminating in the revelation that he indeed held Singaporean citizenship, as confirmed by his mother and supported by the presentation of his citizenship certificate. Faced with a potential breach of Singapore’s NS requirements, the man diligently sought advice from family members, a Member of Parliament, and eventually from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).
Upon contacting MINDEF, he was apprised of the charges against him: leaving Singapore without an exit permit and failing to register for NS. Despite expressing uncertainty about the possibility of evading NS duties due to his unintentional citizenship status, he acknowledged the likelihood of facing jail time and a fine. Seeking to mitigate his situation, he pondered whether a timely return to Singapore could result in a reduced sentence.
The responses on Reddit to his plight varied, with some recommending that he refrain from returning to Singapore, while others attributed the situation to his parents’ failure to inform him earlier of his citizenship status. Despite expressing a desire to revisit his “second home” in Singapore in the future, the likelihood of facing repercussions was underscored, with sentiments referencing past cases of NS defaulters.
The article also highlights historical examples of individuals facing penalties for NS evasion, including jail sentences imposed on offenders who defaulted on their obligations. These instances serve as cautionary tales, shedding light on the potential legal consequences faced by those found in breach of NS requirements.
In light of the individual’s tenuous circumstance, the article concludes by offering readers a platform to share pertinent news and stories.
