Many Singaporeans are now married to foreigners. Some of these foreigners are PRs in Singapore while others are on a long term visit pass. What will happen to the PR status of foreigners in Singapore after divorce?
American woman offered US citizenship through marriage
Recently, it was reported that an American woman invited bids for marriage at the Shanghai marriage market. The woman wore a wedding gown and held up a sign that offering US citizenship through marriage. She confirmed her citizenship by holding up her US passport.
The photographs of the woman caused a stir online. Some netizens were concerned that what she was doing constituted prostitution or financial scam.
See: “US woman offers her hand and American citizenship path at Shanghai marriage market”, South China Morning Post, 9 March 2017
What will happen to the PR status of foreigners in Singapore after divorce?
The question arises as many permanent residents in Singapore have obtained their PR status as a result of their marriage to a Singapore citizen. The natural assumption then would be that upon divorce, the PR status of foreigners in Singapore may be affected.
From my experience as a divorce lawyer in Singapore, the PR status of foreigners in Singapore after divorce is likely to remain until at least the expiry of the PR status. This is subject to ICA’s prevailing rules.
Citizens will not be affected.
What should you do if you are a PR in Singapore married to a Singapore citizen?
Upon the expiry of your PR status, you may wish to apply for permanent residence based on your employment or investments in Singapore.
On the other hand, separation does not affect your PR status. Legally, you are still married. If you prefer to be separated, rather than divorced, contact us today to find out more about deed of separation.
For more information on the PR status of foreigners in Singapore after divorce, contact us today!
You may also be interested to read more about:
2. Annulment (Nullity) of Marriage
5. Maintenance Issues (Alimony)
For more information, please contact us here.
