A 34-year-old woman, the daughter of a Gurkha soldier, has spoken out about her experience of having to leave Singapore despite growing up there since childhood. The woman, whose family relocated to Singapore due to her father’s service with the Gurkha Contingent, is now advocating for citizenship rights for those in similar situations. This follows Singapore's policies on citizenship eligibility and the unique circumstances faced by Gurkha families.
The woman's family relocated to Singapore when she was a child. She shared that she considered Singapore her home, having spent her formative years there, attending school, and building a community. However, upon turning 21, and later, 30, she was required to leave the country. This separation from her established life and social network was a difficult and emotional experience, as she was forced to reconcile with suddenly not having the right to stay in the home she knew.
The issue stems from Singapore's citizenship regulations, which consider factors like parentage and birth location. While the children of Gurkha soldiers have opportunities to apply for permanent residency, this does not guarantee citizenship. According to the original reporting, those who do not qualify or receive citizenship are required to leave the country when they are no longer eligible for their dependent passes.
“It was always a given that you might have to leave,” she says, reflecting on her experiences. The original article includes her perspective on the emotional and cultural implications of being forced to leave a place that she considered home. This highlights the complexities faced by children of Gurkhas, who often spend their entire lives in Singapore while facing a precarious legal status.
The woman’s call for citizenship rights highlights a broader conversation about belonging and national identity, and echoes those of others from similar backgrounds. This case brings to light the unique challenges faced by Gurkha families, whose lives are intertwined with Singapore's history, while navigating the nuances of citizenship eligibility.
For the Nepali diaspora community, these developments resonate deeply. It brings focus to the legal and social constraints faced by those with familial connections to the Gurkha regiments. The issues of residency, citizenship, and the sense of belonging are prevalent concerns, especially for those living abroad with families navigating separate immigration rules. This story serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in transnational lives and the importance of advocating for equitable treatment.
