I am a foreigner living in Singapore since birth, and my mom has told me if I fail my O-Levels, I will be forced to go back to my home country, alone.
She has emphasised this many times to me because I hold a student pass that expires next year. But for a long time, Singapore has been like a second home to me, and I consider myself a child of the world, a member of the human race. And I am saying this on Singapore’s 60th birthday.
I can’t find accurate confirmations on the internet if this is true or not. What’s worse is that my home country is very war-ravaged (For privacy, I will not disclose my home country’s name), so chances of survival are low. I will most likely die if I don’t know how to survive.
I just want to know if this is true or not, that I must be forcefully deported from Singapore just because I failed exams. If this is the harsh reality of a cruel world, then so be it. If I fail my O-Levels and this is my fate, I will simply have to accept it.
I hear the weight of what you’re carrying - the fear, the uncertainty, and the heartbreaking possibility of being uprooted from the only home you’ve ever known.
It’s deeply painful to feel like your future, safety, and sense of belonging hinge on a single set of exam results, especially when the stakes are so high. From what I know, failing your O-Levels does not automatically mean deportation; however, your student pass is tied to your enrollment in a full-time course, so if you’re no longer eligible for continued education, your legal status in Singapore could be affected. That said, there are alternative pathways - such as vocational schools, private institutions, or retaking your exams - that might help you remain in Singapore and continue your education. You’re not alone in this, and your life is worth far more than a grade.
However, I would encourage you to do these three things, if you can:
Contact the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA | Contact Us) and clarify with them if your legal status will be affected if you fail your O-Levels.
Hi there, it’s such a scary situation you’re in. If you don’t mind, what’s your parent(s) citizenship/visa status?
I do empathise that policies are not always the kindest. I rate to what you say — about being a child of the world. And while sometimes policy may not always carry that mindset, as much or little it might matter, I’m holding space for you together in this world too. And that means whatever happens, just know that there’s someone out there who hopes things work out and would be sad if it isn’t a good outcome.
Do you have any support in school that you trust to confide in this as well?
I’m sorry to hear how stressful things are for you right now. It sounds really scary to be worrying about exam grades, especially when you feel that your wellbeing, your home, and your future all hinge on them.
I cannot help you with the visa information, and encourage you to contact ICA and or the embassy (of your home country), to get the most reliable information. Check @Obi_Wan_Kenobi ‘s response as he included the information. It may also be helpful to consult with a school advisor or a mental health professional to see if there are extra supports available to you for assignments and exams.
Do you have any close friends or trusted adults that you could share your worries with, and potentially ask for help? It could be good to have someone by your side supporting you, either by being with as you feel these worries, or helping you to get this information.
What you’re going through sounds really tough and I hope the best for you.
Please know that you’re not alone and we are here with you.
Dear @undying_sun, I hear the fear that you are facing, the possibility of failing O level is not just something about grades but also the possibility of needing to leave your home, a home that you love and feel a sense of belonging. It definitely adds to the pressure doesn’t it? I agree with @Obi_Wan_Kenobi that you should try to contact ICA and the embassy to see if there is anything that can be done. I also encourage you to reach out to your school’s teacher, or anyone in the school that you feel you can trust? Can I ask if you are studying in a government school? They might be able to provide you with some support, such as contacting relevant agencies for you. You are still a young person and should not be put through these mental turmoil.
In the meantime, it’s important to remain hopeful, that you will NOT fail O levels. Believe in yourself. You still have a few months to study and it is possible to still pull up the grades. I wish you all the best! It is really a challenging situation and I truly feel for you. Do keep all of us here updated about your situation.
Hi @ukiyoo and @nafas, I love these perspectives of yours!
@undying_sun, there are still a couple of months before your O Levels, so there’s still time to practice and revise before the exams. I’m sure that you’ll put in your very best efforts to study. You got this!
Hi @undying_sun, it’s incredibly heartwarming hearing how you love Singapore as your second home While I am not well-versed on this issue, I learned from a quick google search that you can apply for a short-term/long-term visa which can be useful if you wish to retake/consider an alternative educational pathway. Moreover, you can try contacting the different authorities as mentioned by @Obi_Wan_Kenobi! In the mean time, do continue to work hard and wishing you all the best for your upcoming O levels!
Hello @undying_sun Thanks for sharing what you’re going through. It’s totally okay to feel scared and overwhelmed with all this uncertainty. You’re really brave for opening up about it.
I also noticed the really useful resources that @Obi_Wan_Kenobi shared, like contacting ICA and your home country’s embassy to get clear info, and the National Mindline helpline if you ever just need someone to talk to. They’re there to help, and it’s great to have options.
Remember, no matter what happens, you’re so much more than your exam results or any tough situation. You deserve support and don’t have to face this by yourself.
