Rise in Double-Barrelled Race Registrations among Singapore's Inter-Racial Couples

In 2023, more than 2,300 children in Singapore were registered with a double-barrelled race, double the number in 2014. This trend reflects a growing awareness of race policy among inter-racial couples. The report from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority shows a significant shift in how racial identities are recorded for children in multi-ethnic Singapore.

In 2023, more than 2,300 children in Singapore were registered with a double-barrelled race, marking a significant increase from 2014, according to a report by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The Straits Times reported on Saturday that the numbers have more than doubled over the intervening years.

The ICA's report highlights that 28.4% of children born to inter-racial couples had a double-barrelled race, up from 12.9% in 2014. This policy allows children to reflect both parents' racial identities on their identity cards, issued at age 15.

Inter-ethnic marriages in Singapore have been permitted to register a double-barrelled race since 2011, reflecting an increase in awareness and acceptance of this policy among couples. Dr. Leong Chan-Hoong, a social cohesion expert, notes that people are prouder of their cultural heritage and want to retain both parents' racial identities. Despite no policy advantages, more couples are opting for this registration.