Foreign wives receive equal protection as S'porean
wives: DPM Wong
By Sona Remesh | Posted: 19 July 2010 2150
hrs
SINGAPORE: Foreign wives of Singaporean men receive equal
protection under the law as Singaporean wives, says Deputy Prime
Minister and Home Affairs Minister Wong Kang Seng.
Mr Wong was responding to queries on the rights of the rising
number of foreign wives sought by low-income Singaporean men.
MP Irene Ng had questioned if laws were in place to ensure these
women were not victims of abuse or trafficking.
On abuse, Mr Wong said the Women's Charter offers protection
against family violence.
Abused wives, whether Singaporeans or foreigners, can apply for a
Personal Protection order from their husbands.
Police who receive reports on suspected spousal violence are also
on hand to advise on available assistance.
Mr Wong said Singapore has a strict regime to combat the problem of
human trafficking.
These include tough enforcement actions and security checks at the
various checkpoints.
Police also leverage on intelligence sources and engage foreign
organisations like Interpol to prevent and identify potential
victims of trafficking.
So far, the police has not received any reports from foreign brides
alleged to be victims of trafficking.
On the issue of whether these brides will be issued long term visit
passes to stay with their husbands, Mr Wong said the key
consideration is whether the Singaporean can support his or her
foreign spouse financially.
So far the success rate of foreign spouses applying for long-term
visit pass has been 86 per cent.
- CNA/jm
what's new?
Anything foreign is good and protected.
Being female is an added advantage.
