Singapore not prepared to allow dual citizenship

Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said Thursday that the city state is not prepared to allow dual citizenship, as it would not strengthen the nation. "Singapore is a small and young nation. It is all the more important that we are clear that our citizens have a long-term commitment to building a future together here," Teo said in the parliament in response to a question raised by a lawmaker. Nominated member of parliament Eugene Tank, a scholar, asked if the country should keep an open mind with regards to dual citizenship, given the increasing number of international marriages. Teo said that foreigners are granted citizenship only if they are committed to making Singapore their home in the long term. They should be prepared to give up their foreign nationality, he said. "Allowing Singaporeans to retain or acquire a second citizenship is unlikely to enhance that commitment but could dilute it," he said. Singapore, a city state of ethnic diversity, has a total population of 5.31 million as of 2012, including 3.29 million citizens and 0.53 million permanent residents, or foreigners granted permanent long-term residency in Singapore. The rest are foreigners working, living or receiving education in Singapore.