Mandatory Oath-taking for Foreign Child Adopted at Birth and Raised in Singapore

Debated in Parliament on 19 Jan 2015.

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Ms Tin Pei Ling questioned the rationale behind requiring foreign children adopted at birth and raised in Singapore to take an oath at age 21, and how the Government balances this with protecting the child from psychological impact upon learning of their adoption.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean explained that all foreign children who become Singapore citizens must take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty (ORAL) under the Constitution within 12 months of turning 21, to reaffirm loyalty and pledge allegiance as adults.
He noted that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority notifies the child in writing at age 21 without mentioning adoption, and the oath process is identical for adopted and non-adopted children.

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Tin Pei Ling

Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the rationale for requiring a foreign child adopted at birth and raised in Singapore to take an oath when the child reaches 21 years old; and (b) how does the Government consider the consequences between confirming the child's allegiance to Singapore through a mandatory oath and protecting the child from possible psychological impact as the child

Page: 136

realises his or her adoption.

Teo Chee Hean

All foreign children, whether born overseas or in Singapore, who eventually become Singapore citizens are required to take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty (ORAL) within 12 months upon reaching 21 years of age. This is required under the Constitution. The taking of the ORAL is to reaffirm the child's loyalty and is a pledge of allegiance to Singapore upon attaining adulthood.

A child who is required to take the ORAL will be notified by ICA in writing when the child reaches 21 years of age. ICA’s notification does not make any mention that the child was adopted. The process and procedure for an adopted child to take the ORAL is no different from other children who are required to do so.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Ms Tin Pei Ling questioned the rationale behind requiring foreign children adopted at birth and raised in Singapore to take an oath at age 21, and how the Government balances this with protecting the child from psychological impact upon learning of their adoption.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean explained that all foreign children who become Singapore citizens must take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty (ORAL) under the Constitution within 12 months of turning 21, to reaffirm loyalty and pledge allegiance as adults.
He noted that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority notifies the child in writing at age 21 without mentioning adoption, and the oath process is identical for adopted and non-adopted children.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Mandatory Oath-taking for Foreign Child Adopted at Birth and Raised in Singapore | PAPERCUTS

Mandatory Oath-taking for Foreign Child Adopted at Birth and Raised in Singapore

Debated in Parliament on 19 Jan 2015.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Ms Tin Pei Ling questioned the rationale behind requiring foreign children adopted at birth and raised in Singapore to take an oath at age 21, and how the Government balances this with protecting the child from psychological impact upon learning of their adoption.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean explained that all foreign children who become Singapore citizens must take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty (ORAL) under the Constitution within 12 months of turning 21, to reaffirm loyalty and pledge allegiance as adults.
He noted that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority notifies the child in writing at age 21 without mentioning adoption, and the oath process is identical for adopted and non-adopted children.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Tin Pei Ling

Page: 136

realises his or her adoption.

Teo Chee Hean

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Ms Tin Pei Ling questioned the rationale behind requiring foreign children adopted at birth and raised in Singapore to take an oath at age 21, and how the Government balances this with protecting the child from psychological impact upon learning of their adoption.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean explained that all foreign children who become Singapore citizens must take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty (ORAL) under the Constitution within 12 months of turning 21, to reaffirm loyalty and pledge allegiance as adults.
He noted that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority notifies the child in writing at age 21 without mentioning adoption, and the oath process is identical for adopted and non-adopted children.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Mandatory Oath-taking for Foreign Child Adopted at Birth and Raised in Singapore

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Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Tin Pei Ling

Teo Chee Hean

Summary

Questions Identified

Mandatory Oath-taking for Foreign Child Adopted at Birth and Raised in Singapore

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Tin Pei Ling

Teo Chee Hean

Summary

Questions Identified