I was born in Singapore but left when I was 5 and currently live in the United States as a US citizen age 28M.

I visited Singapore once as a teenager and haven’t been back since. As my grandparents get older, I’d like to see them before they pass. I tried to renounce my citizenship via the Singapore embassy in San Francisco and received a rejection letter explaining that I’m classified as an NS defaulter.

I have heard success stories of folks in my position and am wondering if anyone more knowledgeable about the topic could advise me on the next steps.

Doing research on the topic, it’s clear that there is a procedure my parents were supposed to follow but did not.

So I’m not looking to be re-educated on this protocol but would instead like to understand paths forward to correct these mistakes. Thanks much for your help!

Edit: obviously won’t be acting on Reddit advice alone but will be using it as lead generation before doing due diligence. Will consult legal professionals before even considering stepping foot in Singapore.

To make it exceedingly clear, the only way I’ll volunteer to go back is with a blessing from the government. However I am also interested in hearing off the book experiences.

Here are what netizens think:

Go to Malaysia. Ask your relatives to go to Malaysia to reunite.

You’d get arrested at the airport if you come back. I’ve relatives in the same situation as you.

I mean it’s the law. It’s not a matter of being kind or being petty. You could propose that the govt turn a blind eye towards defaulters but half the population probably got something to say about that.

There are no success stories within SG’s borders. Don’t act based on hearsay accounts. We’ve shown you facts in the form of concrete cases that have happened and reported in the news. TDLR; you will be arrested and jailed then deported, don’t even think of trying.