Singapore is now not in a situation where allowing Singaporeans to hold dual citizenship will strengthen it "as a people or a nation," Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said on Thursday.

"Allowing Singaporeans to retain or acquire a second citizenship is unlikely to enhance identity but could dilute it," he said, in response to Nominated MP Eugene Tan's Parliamentary question on the necessary pre-conditions before Singapore is prepared to accept dual citizenship.

Mr Tan then asked if, given the trend of more marriages between Singaporeans and those of other nationalities, dual nationality might help children of such marriages have a connection with Singapore. He asked if Singapore should "keep an open mind."

To this, Mr Teo agreed, saying that although Singapore should not allow dual citizenship at this point in time, "we should always keep an open mind".