Ensure second-generation PR youths do NS

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http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/ensure-second-generation-pr-youths-do-ns-20140613

Ms Neo Seok Kian's suggestion that the inclusion of children in a person's application for permanent residency won't solve the problem ("Share criteria for granting permanent residency"; Tuesday).

Many foreigners obtain permanent residency for themselves and their young children until the age that the boys are liable for national service (NS).

They then cancel the permanent residency and send their children back to their home country or other countries for studies, for example.

It is regretful that these children get to enjoy all the privileges of being a permanent resident without any commitment to Singapore.

The parents, meanwhile, remain in Singapore and continue enjoying the benefits that come with permanent residency.

Perhaps the authorities could do more to ensure that these children with permanent resident status are not able to dodge the responsibility of doing NS.

Arunachalam Thinnappan