FAQs for Revisions to Exit Control Rules to NSmen/Reservists

Ecxentrique SG

Q1: Why are pre-enlistees and National Servicemen subject to exit controls?

Exit controls are necessary to regulate overseas travel to maintain operational readiness and to ensure that national servicemen who go overseas remain contactable to facilitate recall in times of emergency. Exit controls also provide a psychological reminder of a national serviceman's NS obligations.

Q2: Why is there a need for NSmen to notify MNC of overseas trips of more than 24 hours and less than 6 months?

During peacetime, information collected by the MNC is used by units for mobilisation planning and to report daily recallable strength during standby.

When the rapid mobilisation of NSmen is required, the information captured by the MNC can be used by the SAF to contact and recall NSmen who are overseas quickly.

Q3: Why did MINDEF decide to exempt NSmen who have completed their Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) training cycle and have been phased into the MINDEF Reserve (MR) from notifying MNC?

Exempting NSmen who have completed their ORNS training cycle and have been phased into the MR from MNC requirements enhances convenience for NSmen who are unlikely to be called up for ORNS whilst maintaining it for those who are required to to be operationally ready at a short notice. This is a balanced approach that enhances convenience for NSmen without affecting the SAF's operational readiness. This is also in line with MINDEF's efforts to recognise NSmen who have actively served and completed their ORNS.

Q4: How would an NSman know if he has completed his ORNS training cycle and have been phased into the MR?

MINDEF will be writing to inform NSmen who have already completed their ORNS training cycle and are in the MR that they will be exempted from notifying the MNC. Going forward, all NSmen who have completed their ORNS training cycle and are due to be phased into the MR will also be informed that they no longer need to notify MNC.

Q5: Will NSmen who have not been called up to serve ORNS be exempted from mandatory notification?

There are some NSmen who are not called up for ORNS as they belong to defunct vocations or are medically unfit for ORNS. Such NSmen are not considered to have completed their ORNS training cycle and would be required to notify the MNC until they reach the statutory age of 40 (for non-officers) and 50 (for officers).

Q6: How can NSmen notify MNC of their overseas trips?

NSmen can notify MNC via the following channels:

- Telephone: 1800 3676767 (eNSNSNS)
- SMS: 36767 (eNSNS)
- Fax: 6853-7894
- Internet: http://www.ns.sg
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail ( MINDEF eServices, 5 Ang Mo Kio Street 62, NCS Hub, Singapore 569141)

Q7: What is the penalty for failing to notify the MNC of overseas trips of more than 24 hours and less than 6 months?

NSmen who fail to notify the MNC would have committed an offence under the Enlistment Regulations. NSmen who persist in not notifying the MNC will be served with a composition fine. Recalcitrant offenders may be prosecuted in court and be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000.

Q8: Why did MINDEF decide to relax EP controls for NSFs and will this affect the operational readiness of the SAF?

MINDEF has decided to relax exit controls for NSFs as there are already sufficient controls in place to ensure that they fulfil their full-time NS obligations. NSFs are subject to disciplinary controls under the SAF Act and would be liable for the offence of AWOL or desertion if they fail to report for duty. NSFs are also subject to leave policies and will be required to fill in their contact details during leave application. As such, MINDEF is able to exempt NSFs from EP for short trips of less than 3 months. This will enhance convenience for NSFs making short overseas trips over the weekends or whilst on leave.

Q9: Will NSFs who are on disruption be affected by this policy change?

This policy change will also apply to NSFs who are disrupted for their studies. Such NSF disruptees will similarly be required to apply for an EP only for overseas trips of 3 months or longer.

Q10: Why were NSmen required to surrender their EPs and what has changed for this requirement to be removed?

NSmen were required to surrender their EPs upon their return to Singapore as an indication of their permanent return to Singapore. This enabled the SAF to schedule them for ORNS activities without undue delay. Going forward, MINDEF will leverage on the system linkage between the EP System and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority's Exit-Entry Control Upgraded System to detect NSmen who have returned to Singapore in order to schedule them for ORNS activities.

Q11: How can NSFs and NSmen apply for an EP?

EP applications may be made through the following:

- Internet: http://www.ns.sg
- Exit Permit Office (Central Manpower Base, 3 Depot Road, Singapore 109680)

Q12: What is the penalty for going overseas without a valid EP?

National Servicemen who remain overseas without a valid EP would have committed an offence under the Enlistment Act. Initial EP offenders may be served with composition fines. Recalcitrant offenders will be charged in court and on conviction be liable to a fine of up to $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both.