May* is a Singapore PR, who has been living and working in Singapore for ten years. She was married to a Singaporean before getting divorced. They have a child together, also a Singaporean, who now lives with May.

May’s citizenship and marital status limit her housing options. As her child is only five years old, she cannot buy a house from HDB with his name. As a single non-citizen, her only option is to buy a private property, which she cannot afford.

Currently, she is renting from the open market. Having to pay for monthly rental, and other fees (medical, insurance…) that come with raising a child on a single income, May is starting to feel the financial strain. Furthermore, she felt that there was no stability in relying on renting. May and her child have already moved twice in two years, and she would like to settle down at one place once her child starts going to school.

May tried to apply for citizenship two years ago, but was rejected. The ICA officer handling her appeal told her to either get a job that pays at least $3,500 or to “go and marry again lah”. May thought that neither suggestion was particularly helpful since she would have to seek a pay rise of more than $1,000 and to suggest that she simply find another man to marry was hurtful.

Seeking assistance from her MP also yielded no success. Unless she obtains citizenship or until her child turns 21 years old, May does not really have any other option but to continue renting from the open market. However, this is a financially draining arrangement which she hopes can change.  

*Pseudonym