Revised Exit Control Measures for NSF/NSmen

Gordonator SG

NSFs/NSmen can look forward to more convenience when they travel overseas with effect from 1st Aug 2006.

[*]NSFs will be exempted from applying for exit permits for short overseas trips of less than 3 months.

[*]NSmen will still need to apply exit premit if they are going overseas for 6 months or longer but will no longer be required to surrender their exit permits upon their return to Singapore. MINDEF will use the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority's Exit-Entry Control Upgraded System to monitor the return of NSmen.

NSmen who have completed their Operationally-Ready National Service Training Cycle and have been phased into the MINDEF Reserve (MR) will no longer be required to notify the MNC of their overseas trips of more than 24 hours and less than 6 months. However, they will continue to be subjected to exit permit controls for overseas trips of 6 months or longer.

Ponders SG

What does this mean?

NSmen will be "more" monitored now? Because there are many cases where ppl who work overseas but return to singaproe for 2-3 weeks for their annual leave.

Technically, they are breaking the law as they will exceed 7 days allowed to be in Singapore if they are an EP holder.

nismoS132 SG

wah lau, ROD liao still must apply EP?

Gordonator SG

no need unless it's 6 months or longer.

Ponders SG

No.. i think you all missed the point here...

if they are now linked to ICA... it spells more trouble for ppl who have EP but come back often.

hisoka SG

but still need to inform right? although it sounds very dumb to me since if they are connected to the ICA then they should be able to update via their system on the status/location of the personnel too...

hisoka SG

hmmz but then why is that bad??

unless they just got he EP to gain deferment??

tankee1981 SG

This is very good news compared to the days where even going for a one day trip of Malaysia require an Exit Permit! Very Happy

Gordonator SG

hmm... maybe u can enlighten us by giving us some examples.

Ponders SG

In the past, MINDEF settles all EP matters and do random checks with ICA (them SIR) to see people are abusing them.

People who work overseas usually don't get into trouble this way.

Now that they are tied to ICA, it simply means ICA will check for you if you have been abusing EP.

The law on EP is... you are not supposed to be back in Singapore more than 7 days if you are a EP holder.

So since your EP is "automatically surrendered" after 7 days in Singaproe.

It means people who works overseas and come back for their annual leaves get into trouble.

Name you a few complicated cases,

1) Your work for an MNC and contract with their HQ (like their HQ in US). Technically you are employed in US. But the HQ in US decides to post you to Singapore.

So you are a Singaporean Expat in Singapore but EP is not eligible for you. In the past, people still can have an EP and stay safe.

2) Contract consultants: Work is primarily overseas but sometimes stay in Singapore for 1 month or more during "down-time". LIke that EP is not eligible for them.

Ponders SG

TO add on....

MINDEF does not handle the Bonding Scheme anymore.

Bonds for Singaporean Pre-NSFs are now handled by ICA.

Meaning if you are between 11 and 16.5 years old and staying overseas for 3 months or more. you need to have a Banker's Guarantee of $75000 or 50% of parents income.

Used to be administered by MINDEF.. now ICA... tougher nut to crack.

nismoS132 SG

can't you just surrender your EP and apply for another when you need to fly again?

or is there some kind of 'no more than 3 EPs a year' thing.

LazerLordz SG

They are so full of red tape that I'd like to smash their heads like coconuts. Rolling Eyes

Typical bureaucratic nonsense, and another show of intent to say that you must be like everyone else, and those Singaporean expats will suffer, in their OWN country.

Get a life and sort out these things using common sense. Mad

Ponders SG

Dunno about this.. but it is better to apply for a 3 year EP at a shot.

This way, you are confirmed "undisturbed" during the 3 years.

Sometimes the work require you to be in Singaopre for more than a month or so, without EP you just might need to serve reservist again. Once you are issued notice, you still have the trouble of defering again.