Exit Permit Requirements

  Full-time National Servicemen will be able to obtain exit permits at their units for short overseas trips of 30 days or less, instead of having to go to the Exit Permit Office.

. Standardised multiple-trip exit permits will be introduced to replace the various types of exit permits. Holders of multiple-trip exit permits who return to Singapore for 30 days or less can utilise the same valid exit permit to travel overseas again.

Waiver Of Monetary Bond

  Parents who had earlier furnished a monetary bond and meet the new criteria for bond by deed will be given the option to convert to a bond by deed. SIR (Singapore Immigration and Registration) and CMPB (Central Manpower Base) will be writing to parents over the next 3 months to offer the conversion option. Eligible parents can come forward to SIR or CMPB to convert their monetary bond to a bond by deed.

Clarification

a. For males between 11 and 16½ years old:

Director, SIR

10 Kallang Road Singapore 208718

Tel: 3916100 (for general enquiries on passport extension)

3916276 or 3916171 (for enquiries on bond requirements)

Fax: 2980837, 2980843

Internet: www.sir.gov.sg

E-mail address: SIR_FEEDBACK@sir.gov.sg 

b. For males 16½ years old and above, who have yet to enlist for full-time NS:

Commander, CMPB

3 Depot Road Singapore 109680

Tel: 3733139 Fax: 3733173

Internet: www.miw.com.sg 

E-mail address: dotpointer@miw.com.sg 

c. Full-time National Servicemen and personnel in the SAF, Police and SCDF:Please refer to Annex B.

11. The contact details and operation hours of SIR and the Exit Permit Offices are at Annex B.

Supplementary Information

RELAXATION OF EXIT CONTROL MEASURES:

Exit Control Measures

What are the benefits arising from the relaxation of exit control measures?

A: The relaxation of exit control measures will help to facilitate regionalisation and make it more convenient for NSmen and their families to travel overseas for work and leisure. Passport validity for young Singaporean males will be extended, hence reducing the need for frequent renewals. Exit permit and bond requirements will also be relaxed, to enhance efficiency and convenience.

Why are exit control measures necessary?

A: Exit control measures play an important role in ensuring that Singaporean males who go overseas return to fulfil their National Service (NS) obligation. The measures also facilitate the management of NS resources. MINDEF/MHA is mindful that exit control measures should not unduly inconvenience Singaporean males or hamper Singapore’s regionalisation drive. There has to be a balance between enhancing convenience and having effective exit control measures.

Passport Validity

Why are Singaporean males who have yet to enlist for National Service not given passports of a longer validity?

A: Restricted passport validity helps to ensure that Singaporean males who travel overseas return to fulfil their NS obligation. It also serves to remind them of their NS responsibilities. Those who wish to obtain longer passport validity can do so after furnishing a bond.

For Singaporean males between 11 and 16½ years old, the 2-year passport validity would be sufficient for social visits over a number of school holiday periods, without the need for frequent passport extensions. Those 16½ years old and above are given 1-year passport validity as they would soon be due for NS enlistment. Passports valid for 1 year would still be sufficient for social visits during the school holidays.

How do I extend my passport?

A: The new passport validity will be given for passport extensions made from 1 May 2001 onwards. Passports may be extended at SIR or Exit Permit Offices (i.e. CMPB or SAFRA Tampines). However, there is no need to immediately rush to extend your passports as the existing passports can still be used as long as they have not expired.

Exit Permit Requirements

Why are full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) still required to apply for exit permits for every overseas trip?

A: NSFs require their units’ consent before travelling overseas. Exit permits facilitate the management of NSF resources, and enable units to mobilise their NSFs effectively if the need arises. The exit permit application process will be made more convenient for NSFs. With effect from 1 May 2001, NSFs will be able to obtain exit permits at their units for short overseas trips of 30 days or less, instead of having to travel to the Exit Permit Office.

Waiver of Monetary Bond

Why is the waiver of monetary bond given only to Singaporean males who accompany their parents on overseas employment?

A: The waiver of monetary bond for Singaporean males who accompany their parents on overseas employment aims to facilitate regionalisation and preserve family cohesion. The waiver makes it easier for parents working overseas to bring their children along, and parents will not be discouraged from accepting overseas employment as a result of having to furnish a monetary bond. However, a monetary bond will still be required for those who go overseas for other reasons (e.g. studies), to ensure they return to fulfil their NS obligation.

Can parents who had earlier furnished a monetary bond convert to a bond by deed if they meet the new guidelines?

A: Parents who had earlier furnished a monetary bond and meet the new criteria for bond by deed will be given the option to convert to a bond by deed. SIR and CMPB will be writing to parents over the next 3 months to offer the conversion option. Eligible parents can come forward to SIR or CMPB to convert their monetary bond to a bond by deed. Only those who meet the new guidelines will be able to convert to a bond by deed.

Summary Of Exit Control Measures