In Return

I got a letter today from Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), informing me that I am eligible to apply for permanent residence (PR or SPR) status.

I've been thinking about this since before I came here. And this is what I cooked up so far:

Pros:

• Central Provident Fund (pension plan)
  
• No need to be employed to stay in the country (no need for work passes or visas)
  
• Able to set up business
• Fewer restrictions on purchasing property
• etc, etc...

Cons:

• National Service Liability (male children of PR will have to take part in National Service from age 16 to 40(!))
  
• Tropical, humid weather 365 days a year
• Cable TV is boring
• Cost of living is rising
• etc, etc...

What do you think?

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Also, I've received my tax assessment for the year 2006. It's oh, oh, oh-so-low compared to other countries I've heard of. Philippines and India hovers to 30%, UK and Canada around 40%. In Singapore? Let's just say that they are fewer digits in the percentage, depending of course on the tax bracket.

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I honestly don't know how long I plan to stay here, or if it's for good. Anyway, I don't have to decide yet. But the sooner the better. I kind of hate plans as of now.