Written Reply to Parliamentary Questions on Mandatory Oath - Taking by Foreign Child Adopted at Birth by Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs

Question

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 realises his or her adoption.

Written Reply by Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. 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.

2. 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.