Stateless in Singapore: No job, no education, no country

[@straitstimesonline]

UPDATE: Stateless unemployed youth who has never gone to school lands job offer www.straitstimes.com/singapore/stateless-unemployed-youth-who-has-never-gone-to-school-lands-job-offer

[@Ramy-ql3tr]

He’s willing to do NS, give him a citizenship. He’s young and has ambitions. Sg needs young people.

[@Skinnypole_clara]

straits times forgot to tell how did his mother able to come to Singapore in the first place if she is already stateless, So did she give birth to him while she is still stateless in Singapore? If she did, we shouldn't be even supporting these selfish stateless people trying to bring more people when house prices are already expensive.

[@ilikealotofthings731]

​@@Skinnypole_clara Are you retarded? These people aren't the ones bringing the prices of property up. It's the millionaire and billionaire foreigners purchasing multiple properties and then leaving them empty.

[@gparamaeswary7276]

​@@Skinnypole_clara Selfish

[@kwpf]

@@Skinnypole_clara It is not the child's fault. You seriously lack empathy.

[@libiskit]

​@StickMan_Clara that is the largest false reasoning I've heard

[@lplk]

It broke my heart when he kept saying he was stupid. It wasn’t your fault and I really hope we can help people like him

[@icyboy771z]

He clearly isn't stupid being able to articulate that well even without formal education.

[@groovytraveller4459]

I sincerely hope the government will give him citizenship. For someone who did not go to school, he speaks relatively good English. He is not stupid and he is still young. If he’s got a chance for an education, he could have a better life and contribute to society in Singapore.

[@FV1KAWASAKIH2]

Ya he speak like me for basic convo i thought this is a joke but he is indeed special

[@celestialstar124]

He is already 25 so he already miss the free education system. Now if he gets PR he can find a job and lives a normal live. I understand that he want to get a job to support his old age adoptive parents. ❤

[@JojoJoget]

@@celestialstar124what free education?

[@zanaros2606]

the way he speaks he seems like he got a very low self-esteem. Maybe due to his entire life experiences of being completely different from everyone else around him, ever since he was a little kid. Which is kind of sad

[@FV1KAWASAKIH2]

@@zanaros2606 tru he is like my twin few years older than me but what he experience like me but i finish my school with decent parent not supportive maybe he is sad he dont get to live to fullest as he realise he not longer a teen. My friend is his age still act like one dont work stay home play phone dont have computer his name hassan stay marine. He got work warehouse but quit after 1 week. Its tough out here

[@simplyme3306]

He speaks very well for someone who has never stepped into a school before. Dare I say even better than some. This shows his determination and discipline to learn. I hope the govt steps in to help him.

[@JV-ut4fi]

True, plus he didn't become a lawbreaker. We must give it up for his morals.

[@ymhktravel]

It's really kinda disgusting to know recently that you can give PR and/or citizenship to foreigners who disrespect locals and local customs yet ICA/govt can't give at least give a freaking PR to one who's been born and raised here and through mistake or oversight not of his own doing.

[@FV1KAWASAKIH2]

Must a least give citizen to psle ma my cousin drop out now working at amk as security guard pay 3k. He serve 2 years pol in 2018 now working he dont like study for me i highest is degree but i dont like work so i stay home. We only give citizen to those can contribute to our economy long term

[@zanaros2606]

If the only main criteria is money or economic contributions to society and nothing else...then obviously such issues will occur, where these new citizens deep down have zero love or respect for locals. Maybe they need to include a psychological profiling for all potential citizens too. Since education and salary have little correlation with inner morality, so we need to scan their hearts and souls too.

[@moonlightaffairs]

PAP loves PRC, even MP and Minister got PRC spouse. After people kpkb now said Singapore citizen liao, don't know real or bluff.

[@Cxs1a3]

@@moonlightaffairs wait, don't your people also do the same?

[@FV1KAWASAKIH2]

@@Cxs1a3 tru go back to kl we dont need u guys

[@oroch1marusama]

This man speak better than people that have education

[@mohdariff5557]

Sad but true 😭

[@fieldion]

Hey ST, let's do a follow-up on his case few months later. Hope he is able to get the opportunities he badly wanted. He already has the correct mindset...

[@chinchowpowpook]

3 minutes u can tell he has correct mindset? Video can be choreographed to achieve those sympathetic moments..MP tried for him, ICA don’t immediately give him citizenship,, there’s more to meets the eye..not straightforward case..unknown truth about him can only be revealed by ICA

[@johnnyquest6894]

@@chinchowpowpook don't be hypercritical!

[@LowCrimeDoesntMeanNoCrime]

​@@chinchowpowpook pessimistic mindset.. go work for PAP la.. no diff from the ministers in the government system

[@des5021]

This wasn’t his fault. Please don’t lose a true Singaporean.

[@Hs5687]

That’s Given But why ST not interview MP also ? ie. This matter of Public Interest & Public Trust …

[@Hs5687]

ST , Any attempt made to Interview his MP ? Or is this a Propaganda Video to reinforce Government’s “PRIVILEGES” Mindset ?

[@kingsufi6164]

@@Hs5687 Interview the MP for the past 25 years.... shiok hor.... but, GE around the corner la. hahahhaha.

[@JonTan-z3e]

no offense but this guy never went to school and didnt have an ic and never once wondered or questioned why in the 20+ years he spent in this country, he never once required a service that needed an ic number? so what exactly has he been doing the past 2 decades? just chilling and drifting away in the summer breeze until the police came looking for him?? he didnt go to school, he didnt attempt to work or even thought of holding a job and just blissfully enjoyed 2 decades doing absolutely nothing and having no pressure whatsoever and now we are supposed to cry for him because hes stateless? if u told me he worked his posterior off in some under the table job, or practised or did a skill or pursued something that interested him or a passion and did something with his life or studied something that interested him programming,finance, design or even spend thousands of hours becoming a professional poker player....alright maybe there is an argument, but he lepaked away for 20 years.....if u wanna lepak u can do it anywhere ,malaysia for example would be the perfect fit for u!!!!!!!! u had literally all the free time in the world for 2 decades and u didnt even try to build the slightest thing in ur life????? u joking?im more than sure he knew he was a stateless person and probably an illegal for 20 years thats why he chose to do nothing and avoid the authorities..... oh now u want to serve ns if given a chance? mate if u wanted to serve ns u could have went to cmpb and looked for an officer to assist u....

[@내꺼야-z3y]

@@JonTan-z3eso you're saying he should have started thinking about his life at 5 years old.. come on now. Who really thinks about what they want to do in life that early. We don't know his entire story, don't jump into conclusions after watching a 3 minute video.

[@ownthegame3]

very sad he did nothing wrong and yet, he bears the whole brunt of issues from the previous generation hope he will get something at least to study and work

[@FV1KAWASAKIH2]

He is naughty he said so its wrong must be discipline and smart not dum

[@Animatorfanfiction11]

​@@FV1KAWASAKIH2 lil bro I think you shouldn't be on the internet

[@hy-rq8kh]

Yess 💔💔

[@hy-rq8kh]

@@FV1KAWASAKIH2bruh a lot of people are naughty when they’re a child, even rich people! Kids will be kids how was he supposed to know!

[@worldview2888]

I actually "take my hats off" toward Ricqo - he is a VERY HUMBLE and very grounded individual, with his thinking i cannot possibly believe he actually never went to school before. From the way he talks, his tone and his posture you know he really don't even mean any harm at all (not that type that brags about and at the same time brainless and not in line with reality.) Ricqo is actually a VERY realistic individual based on what he wants.

[@WJHallyuLover8365]

Reminds me of the best lawyer of Singapore Subhas Anandan. He was actually stateless until 2002, and considering he is born in 1947, he endured so much hardship for 55 years until he finally got Singapore citizenship in 2002

[@freaker126]

isn't it ironic that the govt welcome foreigners to become sg citizen but people like him who born and bred here though in different circumstances are not given the chance. I thought anyone born here is given a choice to become a sg citizen? total b.s. something need to change. he's not the only one being treated like a pariah.

[@Skinnypole_clara]

You need a paperwork, being born here doesn't mean you are a Singaporean automatically , one of your parent need to be at least a Singaporean.

[@chrisl9934]

This is a legality issue that probably stemmed from when Singapore got its independence. People at that time had to choose their nationality, Singapore or Malaysia. Some people did not choose their nationality, probably due to being not informed or other reasons, so these people became stateless. The mother is probably the child of such a stateless person. But there should be a pathway for stateless people like Ricqo to get their citizenship and it shouldn't be so difficult. Especially when said individual is a law-abiding good person.

[@celestialstar124]

His biological mother already Singapore PR. Yet this poor man is still stateless. If it wasn't the police checking in 2019 he won't get any form of assistance.

[@zanaros2606]

One problem with approving this case, is that illegal immigrants can all just come to Singapore and give birth to children locally just to get pr or citizenships. And not every of these immigrants or their children will be like this gentle and harmless dude here. So we need a better filtering system to know the inner psychology and consciousness level of every legal/illegal immigrant applying for PR or Citizenship, rather than just based on their materialistic money contributions to society.

[@infj5196]

​​@@Skinnypole_clara maybe hes a son of Bangla man and Indonesian maid who worked in SG

[@amirhafiz4622]

Give this person a citizenship! He deserved one. You have my support! He’s the future of Singapore! If govt can give pr easily to foreigners who doesn’t know how to speak our dialect and thinks that the world revolves around them, why not this humble Samaritan?!

[@Hs5687]

Not only him but Others like him who are just in limbo & wasting away …

[@4536647674]

And why does he deserve one exactly??

[@janeloh6064]

Ricqo, you're not stupid, you just didn't have the opportunity. Be strong, have faith, we're more than willing to embrace you with a warm welcome 🤗 hey, you're streetwise! For that you deserve a pat on your shoulder. You have strong and positive mindset, hang in there 💪🏻

[@ronaldchristenkkson]

Who the hell are you to "embrace" him? Who deigned you his superior? Because you have Singaporean citizenship? Where does your arrogance come from?

[@raymondlim8291]

Born and live in sg for 25yrs but not given a chance, what a society we lived in..

[@FV1KAWASAKIH2]

They scared to give as they dk his ability to commit to our laws. Must at least finish psle or nursery but he has none not even madrasah

[@Hs5687]

Tragic… Maybe Government has Motive to deny Him Citizenship… Very Common in Cases involving Children of Parents Who are Politically Targeted .. ie. Whistleblowers , Key Witnesses of Government Crimes, Ppl who knows State Secrets etc …

[@holymaggots70]

more like born and live in sg for 25yrs but not enough black n white to prove, thats how the society we live in work, based on official documents and not word of mouth or personal emotion (pity someone or something), in professional environment this is called conflict of interest

[@koruspring1519]

With WP constantly spreading xenophobic sentiment, it's forcing government to set very high standard for citizenship and PR. This young lad is one victim of WP campaign.

[@smartguy1008]

SHAME on the govt & MP for NOT trying to help this young man, its not his fault that he is "stateless", its the parents faults, and NOW he has to suffer... enough is enough, 25 years is long enough, even a PR application only needs 5 years minimum period of stay in Singapore. YES?!

[@ansellow5822]

government gotta give my man citizenship after being on straits times

[@ryanjill1479]

Why dont give this decent young man a chance? At least he looks more sincere than many who got their PR easily and not truly value it.

[@rudylopez5060]

He's born here & lived here for 25years & he's willing to do NS. But he got rejected many times. unlike some people, stay here for 2 to 3 years, apply PR & progressively get Pink IC within 5 to 10 years & totally avoid serving NS. The worse part, every month about 1,000 new citizens get pink IC after staying here for less than 10 years.. red flag here😢😢😢

[@FV1KAWASAKIH2]

My friend msian pr stay for 28 y now gotten degree sit cant get citizen maybe cos parents both earning 8k they stay 5 room tho. Their grand stays in jb

[@inmylife4691]

Because Singapore government is only look on status and money. How much money you got and what benefits you giving to this country. If you are rich or you got big achievements they will give you Citizenship easily even you just come to SG.

[@JojoJoget]

PAP gives citizenship to whoever fills their racial quota, so if cheena population not making enough babies, they’ll fill in with tiongs. They do it to maintain their status quo and power base, no one is more afraid of demographics than the PAP.

[@Cxs1a3]

@@JojoJoget Don't your people do the same?

[@bastar46-l5z]

@@inmylife4691 😂

[@wiebl5266]

How is this even possible in Singapore?! I'm shocked!!!

[@FV1KAWASAKIH2]

No one help him thats why he is left wild like in jb low ses come to sg to work mcd

[@wiebl5266]

@@FV1KAWASAKIH2 it's not about him. It's about the government.

[@crystal8537]

Its been happening since 1965 lol

[@wiebl5266]

@@crystal8537 don't exaggerate

[@adventure953]

Indeed, it is very shocking to know about this. 😢

[@sillycrab]

He was born & been living in Singapore till now. Please help & grants him a PR or Citizenship. Why can give out PR and citizenship so easily to those foreigners but not to our local young man.

[@ryojinkiiro940]

Are you implying that children who are born and live in SG will automatically become Singaporean or PR? Would this apply to the children born in SG by foreigners such as FDW and woman working in the night life industry?

[@sillycrab]

@@ryojinkiiro940 Rather to have him as a citizen than you with no empathy and foreign ers who just taking Singapore as stepping stone. With another local born and grown man better than getting rubbish to form 6.04 millions now & towards 6.90 millions in future. Hope you can be in his shoes to better understand what he has been throught in these 25 years.

[@Bonbon-C]

I kinda understand Singapore's stance on cases like this, as they don't want illegals to have babies in Singapore and be given citizenship just by birth, but special cases need special solutions. Poor guy, it is not as if the guy poses a threat or is a menace to society. And the guy was born in Singapore, raised in Singapore, lived in Singapore, with a Singaporean identity. I hope he will be given his citizenship as he deservedly deserves. Looking forward to the vid when he is recognized as a Singaporean citizen.

[@gold9994]

as they don't want illegals to have babies in Singapore and be given citizenship just by birth, but special cases need special solutions. This is the reason why he's not getting it. It's not him, but the message that the government send.

[@riptyurass302]

Even though I do agree with the Government policy on things like this to curb illegal immigration, what his family chose to do has already happened. The guy is 25 now and wants to serve the country, integrate into the community and contribute to the labour market. What's the point of continuing the punish him for things he has no control over, just give him his PR and then let him naturalize as a Citizen after serving NS. By leaving him stateless you're just letting him rot for no productive reasoning to the country.

[@Reneroxy]

Despite his lack of education, he has a good head on his shoulders and a good heart with right intentions. Just no luck and no opportunities. SG can do better than to fail a young person like that. Cmon SG!

[@kwpf]

Mindef should give him the opportunity to serve NS so that he has a legit justification to apply for citizenship. He is way better than some Singaporeans and PRs who ditch the country to escape NS. I believe he has what it takes to be a good Singaporean given the opportunity. After all, his situation is not his fault. He shouldn't be shouldering the consequences created by his birth mother. Ricqo, be strong. Don't give up. To the government, please have a heart.

[@FV1KAWASAKIH2]

Ns is hard bro i went for two years with risk pay only 1.2k so little should give at least 2k maybe he can sign on as storeman after since he cant work

[@syed_ahmad_aljoofri]

​​@@FV1KAWASAKIH2Well, if he's willing to volunteer to serve in the SAF, he have to at least obtain a PR. If he applied on his own, he will be considered a 1st-gen PR, where individuals under this category are administratively exempted from NS. However, he can choose to volunteer in the SAF under the SAFVC (SAF Volunteer Corps), especially since it appears that he's willing to serve in the Army. If either his adoptive or biological parents sponsor him a PR (which based on the young man's case, I highly doubt that will ever happened) , then he's considered a 2nd-gen PR, where unlike the 1st-gen PRs, these 2nd-gen PRs are liable for NS.

[@henrysehgal658]

@@FV1KAWASAKIH2 Where there is a will, there is a way.

[@adventure953]

I am thinking of the same thing. He may want to sign on as a career and go for further studies, but I am sure the social worker may have looked into every possibility to help him too. Hope everything will work out for him.

[@nicktasteless360]

@@FV1KAWASAKIH2Weakling.

[@VViv37]

PLS HELP HIM! OMG!!! He is still so young, and trying to stay afloat and never go astray amidst his tough growing up.. Please 🙏🏻 Don’t force him to go the wrong way, PM Lee Hsien Long 🙏🏻

[@Sagepeh]

Yes🙏🙏🙏

[@lun6r]

wrong PM but ya i agree let him apply PR

[@s_shaleh]

Hello.. you don't know you got new PM already meh? 😂

[@STOICISMTRADES.]

This is an eye opener… that one should not take for granted in his/her job in Singapore.

[@demo1234-w6l]

Don’t worry about your hand writing. I think my one worst than u. I think are very articulate. U sound like any regular Singaporean. May blessings be with u. Hope u get citizenship soon.

[@theramsc]

God bless this guy

[@fidelcatsro6948]

We demand more be done to give such people more access to social services!

[@celestialstar124]

He already get access to social services and funding. But he needs a pr so he can work. He cannot open a bank and which cleaner boss wants to meet him twice a month to pass him salary. Not people don't want hire him but he cannot use the bank for his salary.

[@ghoclyne5428]

Ricqo, you are intelligent, articulate and speak well. Do not give up, try keep on trying and hope you get your PR or citizenship soon.

[@seekthegojira]

Wait that's crazy he doesn't have an IC or passport?!!! Didn't even go to school??? What's the govt doing? Seriously pls pls someone help him

[@mindful47]

This is very unfair . How can Singapore strip his chance of an education? If they cannot give him a state , let him go !!! So he can go and have a life ! Im so disappointed with Singapore.

[@s_shaleh]

Let him go where? It's even worse for him to go overseas with no qualifications. I believe the solution is to allow his adoptive parents to officially adopt him so he can attain citizenship. Since he is in contact with his biological mother who's already a PR, I believe this can be done. Let her relinquish her rights as a mother and allow his adoptive parents to fully adopt him.

[@thinkpadx60]

Wish you the best and may your wishes come true

[@Khalfu]

Very sad and pity this guy. Imagine if he gotten sick. Ridiculous beyond words, 25 years of living here without any meaning

[@nakayoshi715]

His English is better than so many people I know, all the best and good luck man.

[@temasek65]

Oh dear the young and innocent being made to pay the price of elders. Very damaging to the young innocent person.

[@elvinyeo7230]

I read a news article on stateless in Singapore many years ago. It stated that the problem would solve itself over time, as the stateless people are in the older group. Surprised to see there are still young ones borned stateless

[@FV1KAWASAKIH2]

Shock to near my age i first time heard of these. Hope he can at least get psle cert as its the easiest. N level harder so forget it many drop

[@crystal8537]

A few yeard ago, ST also reported on a 12 yr old stateless finally getting PR

[@zhining911]

@@crystal8537i think is a 2017 report

[@duffwicky]

Dear government, You owe this guy a citizenship.

[@Cxs1a3]

The land he came from owes him citizenship

[@KRAST666]

Who are you to say Singapore owes this dude citizenship

[@axxuses5738]

@@KRAST666 because he was born here. dipshit

[@felix4059]

@@KRAST666 Who are you to say Singapore does not owe this dude citizenship

[@asra6166]

This guy has a mindset that beats most people with an education in singapore.

[@craakhun]

When this news first came out on Straits Times, I had to read it like thrice to understand! I can't believe that there are such cases in Singapore which I thought was impossible in this current modern time. Poor boy omg.

[@Zero.DarkStar]

I am sure this guy will be successful one day.

[@JK-wb1dw]

Rico, if you are reading this, you are smart! Your English is quite good despite not having a chance to study. Your heart is with Singapore!

[@imanmalik5631]

He shouldn’t have been abandoned by the state as it’s his fault. A right to education is for everyone and he should have been given the opportunity.

[@chrisl9934]

Why so many barriers for such a good young men? It shouldn't be so complicated.

[@janedcruz3318]

It's no fault of this young man to be in this predicament. The government should render help to him by providing him an opportunity for citizenship and basic education so that he can get a good job and a better life ahead for himself. Please review his case with compassion and give him hope for better days ahead. He has gone through enough.

[@EricMartin-tl6mt]

What is The Straits Times doing by showing this video and not helping this young man? It’s heartbreaking to see a stateless young man, facing such challenges without access to basic rights like education and jobs. ST is also tied to the government, so more should be done to support him. He deserves a fair chance at permanent residency or citizenship to live a dignified life. I see a lot of potential in this young man as compared to majority of the people he’s age that’s a citizen or PR ( some take it for granted). Since Christmas is coming, this would be a good gift, giving him a fair chance to build his life and contribute to society.

[@riptyurass302]

To be fair, the Straits Times is doing their job by reporting on this kind of stuff. They could have easily swept it under the rug and avoided the topic altogether.

[@keonxd8918]

If they didn't make a video/article on this, you would've never known about it.

[@raine7200]

i’m sorry, what? what do you expect the straits times to do? they’re a media and news outlet, not ICA. the only thing they can do is make this public and raise awareness so that maybe it’ll get the govts attention

[@christopherlaw9184]

I wish you success and happiness, Ricqo 🙏🏼 May all you wishes come true soon 🥳

[@fangfang3802]

He speaks well and I bet he is a fast learner! Hoping you get your PR soon! Thank you for reminding us to be grateful of all the privileges we have.

[@ohepay7343]

These are the people Singapore government should grant amnesty. He was born in Singapore and not illegal immigrant!!! He deserves a chance.

[@crystal8537]

Sg does NOT practice birthright citizenship, not like USA

[@jejudo3000]

Give him Singapore citizenship. He’s a young working age man. He will contribute to the work force and pay taxes

[@Tony-z1y]

Give this man a citizenship!!!

[@henryang8103]

What he needs is a systemic and supported process of making him a citizen. This video highlights his plight and a call to action.

[@rachellucia]

This guy deserves a chance. Hope Govt can help him.

[@rosepohchoocheah2694]

Dear SM Lee Hsien Long please have mercy on Ricqo. Grant him a citizen of Singapore. Be Compassionate. Thank you

[@ilonnoilon99]

Very sad to see someone future ruined may u stay strong

[@FV1KAWASAKIH2]

Dont worry sg have more competent people than him he is useless adult no psle

[@venuspark8996]

I really hope Singapore's goverment does something to help these people out.

[@akeithkira]

I feel sad and sorry to him. 😢

[@herman8210]

he is being punished for the wrongdoing of his parents and made as an example to others not to commit similiar act / mistake.

[@juneng9767]

Our government grant foreigner PR/Citizenship everyday, and yet not doing anything to assist this person who are born on this land, at least give him a PR status. It sadden me when he mention all his friend went to school and he have never step into a school before.

[@MadeleineKarlsson-pe4jc]

What a catch 22

[@tanchye1720]

Case to case study, but it will seem inept if Singapore takes a long time to grant citizenship when it is appropriate to do so. In this case this guy was born here, not of his free will. Wanting to be educated, determined and willing to serve the Nation. We have an intelligent guy here wanting to be a citizen and it will not be wise not to grant him citizenship when the birth rate of Singapore is on the declines.

[@kurthandrews6206]

A lot of us will celebrate with you. Soon ❤

[@lampsbright8062]

Brutal of the gov for not allowing him to learn in school.

[@Cxs1a3]

he was living every kid's dream, tf u on?

[@lampsbright8062]

@@Cxs1a3 Maybe your kid is stupid.

[@tuna260]

Please have a heart lah - give him citizenship!

[@emalejack]

Ah Tiong Ah nee can get PR and citizenship but why can’t they give him a PR at least ? If not refer him to UN refugees lah why hold him here !

[@FV1KAWASAKIH2]

@@Cxs1a3tru go back and make sg for citizens we serve so hard with reservist alr tiring need do ippt after shift

[@Bhnbhn]

Good piece, put pressure on the gov. Exactly what journalism is for.

[@mazlanabdulhamid7607]

Pls do something...Mr Masagoes minister for social affairs...mayb d Minister care to explain,it happens in his charge as d minister for social affairs.....May Allah hv mercy on us...Aameen

[@Ccckkkkkkkkk]

You are Smart! All the best

[@lowfooseong8544]

The government should give him citizenship

[@singy1980]

Singapore government: grant this young man a PR!!! Use your head and feel for him --- he is a human!!

[@Tomor81]

When I was reading his story in the detailed on the paper I couldn't stop my tear. I think the government suggested that the process for became a PR (need those 12345...) should not apply to him as his case is exceptional! please SG government issue him with the citizenship please. He was born here by a very irresponsible mother and what he could do??? He is a real Singaporean actually!

[@ReviewBoard-uy5nv]

This is so tragic. Thank God we live in the digital age so he can earn GCSEs or get a degree online. He can even apply for a job online or citizenship of a different country, but someone must sponsor him

[@FV1KAWASAKIH2]

U sponsor la talk so much poor adult

[@sihanchen7552]

@@FV1KAWASAKIH2 If can sponsor, might as well sponsor ownself lah ~~

[@hatingeveryday]

⁠@@FV1KAWASAKIH2wow your braincells must be as low as your empathy, absolutely braindead

[@raphaeltan5312]

Hey ST, you should go interview some MPs about this issue. She how they feel and what can be done.

[@jenniferloh2914]

This is where Government should step in to intervene. Forget about financial and logistic support to external borders. Take care of own nations first as priority. Whatever his roots, he is born in SINGAPORE. Regardless of race, language or religion, he should have the privilege to be granted Singapore Citizenship. Social side, please look into his welfare, education and career path. He, truly, should be and IS a Singapore breed. Please accord him the belated entitlement of a citizenship. NO single Singapore citizen should be treated in this manner. Somehow, system lapsed. Be it for the caring of nation or the WORST - public toilets. Too complacent nowadays. need to seriously look into these. I pray and hope the best for this poor kid. God bless him.

[@shaheenbeeharry9710]

Ricqo, if ever you read this, you are very smart. You taught yourself to read and write, and your spoken English is quite good. I hope this coverage by Strait Times will bring your case the attention it needs so that you can get your PR, get some formal education and do all the things that you hope to do in this life. Much love from Mauritius 💗

[@june03js]

Hope he'll be given citizenshop soon.

[@redcodec]

i been through hard times. hope bro don't give up! you have hope as long as you don't give up hope. things can change!

[@Ye80s]

Same thing happens in Malaysia, but they got citizenship with respect, unlike Singapore.

[@AvaDemir]

I hope he gets the support he needs. This is heartbreaking

[@s._3560]

How can his mother be stateless!!? Whatever his mother's original nationality is, it should be investigated and traced, then he should be entitled to the same nationality from his mother. Who is his father? I understand why Singapore only gives him a special pass, to discourage illegal immigrants who throw away their passport and pretend to be stateless. This boy is kind of innocent, a consequence of his parents illegal actions. It has to be given on case by case basis. He should get some advice from MP in his area.

[@riptyurass302]

Usually how this happens is that his mother's parents probably moved from India to Malaysia or somewhere else, had her in that country that does not have birthright Citizenship and her parents did not register her birth to their home country, and she moved illegally into Singapore before having her child. Basically, none of them have a legal identity.

[@GeorgiaAndrea]

This is what will to the Rohingyas in Malaysia if they were to end up in Singapore. They are stateless in Malaysia but with the UNCHR card they’re holding, somehow they have freedom. It sickens me.

[@user-jt3dw6vv4x]

Rohingyas are refugees and it sickens you that you they have freedom?

[@absolon55]

Why does Singapore not help these stateless people when they are young so that they can be independent and not be a burden to state resources? Never been to school? If government know that these people exist and no other country to be repatriated to, shouldn't they put them in school and on path to citizenship when they are still kids?

[@sihanchen7552]

Because they dun want to set a precedence to this. If not any Ah Meow Ah Gao from any god knows where countries will cite this case to help them secure residence in SG.

[@absolon55]

@@sihanchen7552 our borders are tightly controlled. We dont allow any ah meow ah gao to come in.

[@absolon55]

Our borders are tightly controlled. We don't allow any ah meows or ah gaos to come in.

[@riptyurass302]

To be fair, if you give a pathway to CItizenship that's well documented and concise, you're going to have a huge influx of illegal immigrants that will take advantage of it. I agree in this case, the guy is 25, he's clearly suffered enough under this system and it should be made right, but I disagree entirely that we need to have a system in place to attract illegal immigrants. Helping this guy should be an exception , not the rule.

[@durian9988]

There are clear reasons and careful consideration is needed. Otherwise all foreigners will milk the system.

[@ducati3241]

He’s born in Spore. Why must he ‘suffer’ bcoz of his parents?? U knw wat i mean??

[@cindyhuiqing8610]

When he said that he got looked down by others damn bro I just 😢 . Like sir loves singapore more than most people but he can't even have an identity to say his Singaporeans like dat ain't fair for him man

[@shahiskandar8717]

For someone with zero formal education I am still impressed with his English. He can definitely go far if given the opportunities. That’s really not fair.

[@dancingnachos3634]

This just broke my heart

[@thundermistbane4327]

I am highly obliged and appreciate the initiative by The Straits Times SG , journalist Mr Wong Shiyong to help those people who are innocent and real origin of the tradition and culture of a community such as Ricqo. Thanks and regards. Ihave been a part of the same situation where my own people of my country ditched for helping me out.

[@sg6342l]

He really deserves a chance. Don’t give up!

[@ashnator7249]

The case is actually not that hard. Its the govt and authority that make it hard.. why cant this innocent soul be granted a citizenship.. he is a singaporean son and is willing to serve the nation... the govt rather want an individual like the one charged for corruption (born in india, came to Singapore, became Minister and became greedy)...

[@clementihammock7572]

At least find way to provide him elementary English and Math education, plus an ITE skillsets education. sad.....

[@fidelcatsro6948]

he should be sent to north korea to study nuclear energy engineering for 5 yrs

[@FV1KAWASAKIH2]

True but psle not ite is harder to achieve esp with 3 year hnitec with long hours dont think he can cope with school project

[@krollpeter]

Let him do NS and if he proves he can do his part, then give him his chance, please. Willing to learn and work, what do you want more?

[@s_shaleh]

I'm really amazed that despite everything he has been through, he hasn't fallen into bad company and hasn't gotten into trouble with the law. That is a testament to his upright character and how well his parents had raised him. I pray for his well-being and I hope that all his dreams will come true.

[@twq318]

Why he was not help when he was younger - where is the MP responsible?

[@gerabsb]

Don’t give up, Ricqo! You are not stupid. You are smart, determined and special, and a human, made by God, not a ghost.

[@applecider8086]

Just questioning myself... Why foreigners are so free to come to SG to work yet people like Rico cant be given a simple chance to be granted citizenship or have a decent education and employment

[@keltih931]

Help this child please, never have i thought at this age and time we could see this kind of situation. I could imagine much worse scenario for him but yet seeing how strong he's handling the situation i hope he get the help he needs.

[@dufreversi42]

Stay strong . Looks like odds are stack up against u. Think hard and find a way out like what many of our ancestor does.

[@eaglesnipper6532]

It shows how Sgpore treats its ppl

[@pringlessourcream9527]

Very upset about this.😢Hope he gets all the help he needed. Best wishes to Him🎉

[@jeneuweenlaf948]

Nobody guided him and let him run wild when young. Now he is older and is starting to think for himself. I hope he gets the help he needs. Maybe learn a manual trade like basic home repairs or home cleaning where they dont need NRIC and pay good cash. At least have a job. These jobs are menial but honest work.

[@FV1KAWASAKIH2]

Correcto maybe u should go to him and help since you have the right mindset god bles

[@MadeleineKarlsson-pe4jc]

Are you for real??

[@Ozchuckie]

This is a good kid. He speaks from his heart. I hope he gets his PR/citizenship