The question of whether new citizens feel fully accepted in Singapore is more than just a matter of statistics. It is a conversation about belonging, identity, and the unspoken social boundaries that exist beneath the city-state’s multicultural image. While Singapore’s laws guarantee equality before the law and forbid discrimination based on race, religion, descent, and place of birth, the lived experiences of many new citizens tell a more complex story.
4 Instances of Discrimination For New Citizens
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Social Acceptance: The Unseen Divide
Surveys have revealed that locals often hold lingering reservations toward new immigrants, even after they take up citizenship. A 2021 IPS – CNA study found that Singaporeans were less inclined to socialise or do business with new citizens compared to those who are born locally, even when they share the same ethnicity. This sentiment is particularly pronounced for certain groups, new citizens from India, for example, were the least likely to be welcomed as tenants, with only around a third of respondents willing to rent them a room, and less than half willing to rent them an entire property.
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Personal Stories Behind the Statistics
Personal testimonies add depth to these findings. In interviews with Rice Media, several new citizens described how their Singaporean identity is frequently questioned, even after decades of residence. Maithili, who had lived in Singapore for 22 years before becoming a citizen, recounted being told that she was “not truly a Singaporean.” Raj, another interviewee, recalled being excluded from certain education benefits because he was still a Permanent Resident at the time, despite having served National Service and contributed through taxes. For many, these experiences create a quiet but persistent sense of being on the margins.
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The Role of Racial Categories
Part of the difficulty lies in Singapore’s rigid ethnic categorisation system, which places everyone into one of four official racial categories: Chinese, Malay, Indian, or Others. The Singapore government implements this racial quota to ensure and maintain racial harmony within society. Straying away from this proven formula might cause new challenges and internal conflicts that may affect Singapore’s consistent economic development and traction.
For new citizens whose backgrounds do not fit neatly into these classifications, the system can flatten complex identities and hinder deeper integration. On top of this, surveys show that nationality-based prejudice is perceived to be on the rise, even if it remains less common than racism or ageism.
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Legal Protections Versus Social Reality
It is important to note that the legal framework in Singapore is designed to protect against overt discrimination, and integration efforts such as the Singapore Citizenship Journey aim to bridge divides. Yet social acceptance is harder to legislate. While many new citizens eventually form strong community bonds and feel at home, others continue to encounter subtle signals that their “Singaporean-ness” is conditional – accepted in some spaces, questioned in others.
7 Reasons That Brew Discontent Amongst Singaporeans
1. Economic Competition
Singapore has a highly competitive job market, and the influx of foreign workers and professionals over the past two decades has fuelled perceptions that locals are being edged out of opportunities. Even when data shows that citizens are prioritised for certain roles, the visible presence of expatriates in high-paying jobs or foreigners in service sectors can lead to resentment. This sentiment can spill over to new citizens, especially if they are perceived as having “taken” a spot in both employment and citizenship quotas.
2. Housing and Cost-of-Living Pressures
Many Singaporeans link rising property prices and rental costs to an influx of foreign residents. Even if the actual impact is debated, the perception is strong. Since housing is central to Singaporean life and a large part of financial security, any suggestion that newcomers contribute to price hikes can deepen resentment.
3. Cultural and Social Friction
Singapore’s social fabric is built on shared norms such as queueing, speaking softly in public, following hawker centre etiquette, and respecting multi-ethnic harmony. When newcomers, especially those from cultures with different public behaviour norms, are seen as disregarding these unwritten rules, it can trigger frustration. This is amplified by viral social media clips of isolated incidents, which shape broader stereotypes.
4. Perception of Unequal Contribution
Some locals believe that certain new citizens enjoy the benefits of citizenship without having shared in the “nation-building years” of hardship such as National Service, early infrastructure development, or past economic struggles. This narrative positions them as “parachuting in” to enjoy the fruits of earlier sacrifice without equal contribution.
5. National Identity and Belonging
Singapore’s national identity is still evolving, and for some citizens, “being Singaporean” is tied to birthplace, schooling, and shared lived experiences. New citizens may be seen as outsiders if they retain strong ties to their country of origin, speak mainly in their native language, or socialise only within their own communities.
6. Past Negative Experiences with Foreigners
On an individual level, personal encounters can cement a negative image. Over time, these individual grievances can generalise into prejudice toward whole nationalities or the broader category of “foreigners.”
7. Political Narratives and Media Framing
Discussions about immigration in Singapore are often politically sensitive, especially during election seasons. Statements about “calibrating the inflow” or “foreign talent policies” can unintentionally frame foreigners as a problem to be managed, which reinforces public suspicion or hostility toward them.
How New Citizens Can Blend In Better
While social acceptance depends on both sides, there are practical ways for new citizens to integrate more smoothly and live like a true-born Singaporean. Immersing in local culture is key. This means not just celebrating National Day but also understanding the significance of events like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, and Deepavali, and taking part in them alongside neighbours and colleagues. Picking up Singlish expressions and common local phrases can also help break the ice in everyday interactions, creating an immediate sense of familiarity.
Building friendships beyond one’s own ethnic or national community is another important step. Volunteering with grassroots organisations, Residents’ Committees, or community events can offer opportunities to connect with locals on a deeper level. Embracing local food culture often opens doors to casual conversations that form the foundation of stronger ties.
Finally, showing a genuine interest in Singapore’s history, policies, and current affairs can signal long-term commitment to the country. Locals are more likely to see a new citizen as “one of us” when they demonstrate care for the nation’s well-being and actively participate in civic life, from voting to joining neighbourhood initiatives. Contribution to Singapore also goes a long way for Singaporeans to accept new citizens and even foreigners into the fold.
Discriminated in Singapore as a New Citizen
Discrimination is not universal, and Singapore’s multicultural ethos has created many avenues for new citizens to belong. But for a significant number, the journey to being seen as fully Singaporean does not end with a citizenship certificate. It is an ongoing negotiation between legal belonging and social acceptance. While Singapore has progressed in many ways economically, its social ethos still need work and this requires people as at levels – the government, locals and foreigners to work together towards one common identity.
