When Singapore passport may be refused
Open ↗19. —(1) The Controller may, by written notice, refuse a Singapore passport to any citizen of Singapore. (2) Without affecting subsection (1), the Controller may, by written notice, refuse a Singapore passport to any citizen of Singapore if — ( a ) the citizen of Singapore is the holder of another Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document that is still valid at the time when the Singapore passport applied for is to be issued; ( b ) a competent authority makes a request under section 24(1) to the Controller to refuse the Singapore passport, and section 24(4) does not apply; ( c ) the Controller believes on reasonable grounds that the citizen — (i) is a person mentioned in section 23(1) or 24(5); or (ii) has, in the 10 years before the application for the Singapore passport is made, been convicted of an offence under this Act or the repealed Act, or of an arrestable offence against any written law that is prescribed; or ( d ) the Controller is aware of a circumstance in section 25, 26 or 27 whereby it would be lawful for the Controller to refuse to issue the Singapore passport to the citizen.
—(1) The Controller may, by written notice, refuse a Singapore passport to any citizen of Singapore.
(2) Without affecting subsection (1), the Controller may, by written notice, refuse a Singapore passport to any citizen of Singapore if — ( a ) the citizen of Singapore is the holder of another Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document that is still valid at the time when the Singapore passport applied for is to be issued; ( b ) a competent authority makes a request under section 24(1) to the Controller to refuse the Singapore passport, and section 24(4) does not apply; ( c ) the Controller believes on reasonable grounds that the citizen — (i) is a person mentioned in section 23(1) or 24(5); or (ii) has, in the 10 years before the application for the Singapore passport is made, been convicted of an offence under this Act or the repealed Act, or of an arrestable offence against any written law that is prescribed; or ( d ) the Controller is aware of a circumstance in section 25, 26 or 27 whereby it would be lawful for the Controller to refuse to issue the Singapore passport to the citizen.
When Singapore travel document may be refused
Open ↗20. —(1) The Controller may refuse a Singapore travel document to any person. (2) Without affecting subsection (1), the Controller may, by written notice, refuse a Singapore travel document to any person if — ( a ) the person is the holder of another Singapore travel document of the same kind and that Singapore travel document is still valid at the time when the Singapore travel document applied for is to be issued; ( b ) a competent authority makes a request under section 24(1) to the Controller to refuse the Singapore travel document, and section 24(4) does not apply; ( c ) the Controller believes on reasonable grounds that the person — (i) is a person mentioned in section 23(1) or 24(5); or (ii) has, in the 3 years before the application for the Singapore travel document is made, been convicted of an offence under this Act or the repealed Act, or of an arrestable offence against any written law that is prescribed; or ( d ) the Controller is aware of a circumstance in section 27 whereby it would be lawful for the Controller to refuse to issue the Singapore travel document to the person.
—(1) The Controller may refuse a Singapore travel document to any person.
(2) Without affecting subsection (1), the Controller may, by written notice, refuse a Singapore travel document to any person if — ( a ) the person is the holder of another Singapore travel document of the same kind and that Singapore travel document is still valid at the time when the Singapore travel document applied for is to be issued; ( b ) a competent authority makes a request under section 24(1) to the Controller to refuse the Singapore travel document, and section 24(4) does not apply; ( c ) the Controller believes on reasonable grounds that the person — (i) is a person mentioned in section 23(1) or 24(5); or (ii) has, in the 3 years before the application for the Singapore travel document is made, been convicted of an offence under this Act or the repealed Act, or of an arrestable offence against any written law that is prescribed; or ( d ) the Controller is aware of a circumstance in section 27 whereby it would be lawful for the Controller to refuse to issue the Singapore travel document to the person.
When Singapore passport, etc., may be cancelled
Open ↗21. —(1) The Controller may, by written notice, cancel a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document that has been issued to any person. (2) Without affecting subsection (1), the Controller may, by written notice, cancel a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document that has been issued to any person if — ( a ) the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document — (i) has been reported lost or stolen; or (ii) is so damaged or defaced as to render it, in the opinion of the Controller, unsuitable for use; ( b ) the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document is still valid at the time when the person applies for, or is issued with, another Singapore passport or Singapore travel document; ( c ) there is reasonable cause to believe that the particulars recorded in the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document are incorrect; ( d ) the holder of the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document is convicted of — (i) in the case of the holder of a Singapore passport — an arrestable offence against any written law which is prescribed for the purposes of section 19(2)( c ); (ii) in the case of the holder of a Singapore travel document — an arrestable offence against any written law which is prescribed for the purposes of section 20(2)( c ); or (iii) in any case — an offence under this Act or the repealed Act; ( e ) a competent authority makes a request under section 24(1) to the Controller to cancel the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document, and section 24(4) does not apply; ( f ) the Controller believes on reasonable grounds that the holder is a person mentioned in section 23(1) or 24(5); ( g ) the Controller becomes aware of a circumstance that would have required or permitted the Controller to refuse to issue a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document to the person because of section 7(1) or 13(1) or of any provision in this Part, had the Controller been aware of the circumstance immediately before issuing the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document, as the case may be; or ( h ) in the case of a Singapore passport or a Singapore temporary travel document — the holder has ceased to be a citizen of Singapore. (3) The Controller may, without notice, cancel a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document that has been issued to any person if the person dies, or the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document has expired. (4) Every Singapore passport or Singapore travel document that is cancelled under subsection (1), (2) or (3) is accordingly invalid.
—(1) The Controller may, by written notice, cancel a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document that has been issued to any person.
(2) Without affecting subsection (1), the Controller may, by written notice, cancel a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document that has been issued to any person if — ( a ) the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document — (i) has been reported lost or stolen; or (ii) is so damaged or defaced as to render it, in the opinion of the Controller, unsuitable for use; ( b ) the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document is still valid at the time when the person applies for, or is issued with, another Singapore passport or Singapore travel document; ( c ) there is reasonable cause to believe that the particulars recorded in the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document are incorrect; ( d ) the holder of the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document is convicted of — (i) in the case of the holder of a Singapore passport — an arrestable offence against any written law which is prescribed for the purposes of section 19(2)( c ); (ii) in the case of the holder of a Singapore travel document — an arrestable offence against any written law which is prescribed for the purposes of section 20(2)( c ); or (iii) in any case — an offence under this Act or the repealed Act; ( e ) a competent authority makes a request under section 24(1) to the Controller to cancel the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document, and section 24(4) does not apply; ( f ) the Controller believes on reasonable grounds that the holder is a person mentioned in section 23(1) or 24(5); ( g ) the Controller becomes aware of a circumstance that would have required or permitted the Controller to refuse to issue a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document to the person because of section 7(1) or 13(1) or of any provision in this Part, had the Controller been aware of the circumstance immediately before issuing the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document, as the case may be; or ( h ) in the case of a Singapore passport or a Singapore temporary travel document — the holder has ceased to be a citizen of Singapore.
(3) The Controller may, without notice, cancel a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document that has been issued to any person if the person dies, or the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document has expired.
(4) Every Singapore passport or Singapore travel document that is cancelled under subsection (1), (2) or (3) is accordingly invalid.
Cancellation of Singapore document of identity, etc.
Open ↗22. —(1) Without affecting section 21, the Controller may, by written notice, recall any Singapore document of identity and cancel it or retain possession of it where — ( a ) a Singapore passport is issued to the holder of the Singapore document of identity; ( b ) another Singapore document of identity is issued under section 16 to the holder thereof in substitution for the first one; ( c ) there is reasonable cause to believe that the particulars recorded in the Singapore document of identity are incorrect; ( d ) there is reasonable cause to believe that the Singapore document of identity has been obtained by means of any false statement or any statement that is false in a material particular; ( e ) the Singapore document of identity has expired; ( f ) the Singapore document of identity is so damaged or defaced as to render it, in the opinion of the Controller, unsuitable for use; or ( g ) the Singapore document of identity has been reported lost or stolen. (2) Every Singapore document of identity that is cancelled under subsection (1) is accordingly invalid. (3) A reference to a Singapore document of identity in this section includes a reference to any other emergency travel document issued under section 16.
—(1) Without affecting section 21, the Controller may, by written notice, recall any Singapore document of identity and cancel it or retain possession of it where — ( a ) a Singapore passport is issued to the holder of the Singapore document of identity; ( b ) another Singapore document of identity is issued under section 16 to the holder thereof in substitution for the first one; ( c ) there is reasonable cause to believe that the particulars recorded in the Singapore document of identity are incorrect; ( d ) there is reasonable cause to believe that the Singapore document of identity has been obtained by means of any false statement or any statement that is false in a material particular; ( e ) the Singapore document of identity has expired; ( f ) the Singapore document of identity is so damaged or defaced as to render it, in the opinion of the Controller, unsuitable for use; or ( g ) the Singapore document of identity has been reported lost or stolen.
(2) Every Singapore document of identity that is cancelled under subsection (1) is accordingly invalid.
(3) A reference to a Singapore document of identity in this section includes a reference to any other emergency travel document issued under section 16.
Division 2 — Law enforcement reasons for refusing or cancelling
Reasons relating to law enforcement
Open ↗23. —(1) The Controller may cancel any Singapore passport or Singapore travel document that has been issued to a person, or refuse to issue any Singapore passport or Singapore travel document to a person, if the Controller believes on reasonable grounds that — ( a ) the person is the subject of a warrant of arrest issued in Singapore in respect of an arrestable offence against any written law which is prescribed; or ( b ) the person (including a person who is in prison) is prevented from travelling internationally by force of — (i) a condition of parole, or of an undertaking or a surety, bail bond or licence for early release from prison, granted under any written law; or (ii) any written law, or an order or other direction (however described) under any written law. (2) In this section, “prevented from travelling internationally” includes being — ( a ) required to remain in Singapore; ( b ) required to surrender a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document; ( c ) not permitted to apply for a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document; or ( d ) not permitted to obtain a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document.
—(1) The Controller may cancel any Singapore passport or Singapore travel document that has been issued to a person, or refuse to issue any Singapore passport or Singapore travel document to a person, if the Controller believes on reasonable grounds that — ( a ) the person is the subject of a warrant of arrest issued in Singapore in respect of an arrestable offence against any written law which is prescribed; or ( b ) the person (including a person who is in prison) is prevented from travelling internationally by force of — (i) a condition of parole, or of an undertaking or a surety, bail bond or licence for early release from prison, granted under any written law; or (ii) any written law, or an order or other direction (however described) under any written law.
(2) In this section, “prevented from travelling internationally” includes being — ( a ) required to remain in Singapore; ( b ) required to surrender a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document; ( c ) not permitted to apply for a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document; or ( d ) not permitted to obtain a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document.
Reasons relating to potential for harmful conduct
Open ↗24. —(1) If a competent authority believes on reasonable grounds that — ( a ) if a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document were issued to a person, the person would be likely to engage in conduct that — (i) might prejudice the security of Singapore or any other country; (ii) might endanger the health or physical safety of other persons (whether in Singapore or another country); (iii) might constitute an offence under this Act; or (iv) might constitute an arrestable offence against any written law which is prescribed; and ( b ) the person should be refused a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document in order to prevent the person from engaging in the conduct, the competent authority may make a written request to the Controller — ( c ) to cancel any Singapore passport or Singapore travel document that has been issued to the person; or ( d ) to refuse to issue any Singapore passport or Singapore travel document to the person. (2) A competent authority may make a written request to the Controller under subsection (1) — ( a ) whether or not the person has applied for a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document; ( b ) whether or not a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document has been issued to the person; and ( c ) whether or not that person is a citizen of Singapore. (3) If a competent authority makes a written request to the Controller under subsection (1) in relation to any person, the Controller may, as the case may be — ( a ) cancel the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document of the person; or ( b ) refuse to issue a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document to the person. (4) Despite subsection (3), where a competent authority makes a written request to the Controller under subsection (1) in relation to any person, the Controller must not — ( a ) cancel the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document of the person; or ( b ) refuse to issue a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document to the person, if that request relating to the person has been withdrawn by the competent authority or is no longer considered by the Controller to be current. (5) Without affecting subsection (1), the Controller may cancel any Singapore passport or Singapore travel document issued to a person, or refuse to issue any Singapore passport or Singapore travel document to a person, if the Controller believes on reasonable grounds that — ( a ) if a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document were issued to the person, the person would be likely to engage in conduct that — (i) might prejudice the security of Singapore or any other country; (ii) might endanger the health or physical safety of other persons (whether in Singapore or another country); (iii) might constitute an offence under this Act; or (iv) might constitute an arrestable offence mentioned in subsection (1)( a )(iv); and ( b ) the person should be refused a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document in order to prevent the person from engaging in the conduct. (6) In this section, “competent authority”, in relation to a circumstance mentioned in subsection (1) or (5) that relates to Singapore, means any public authority or public officer prescribed by the regulations to be a competent authority in relation to that circumstance.
—(1) If a competent authority believes on reasonable grounds that — ( a ) if a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document were issued to a person, the person would be likely to engage in conduct that — (i) might prejudice the security of Singapore or any other country; (ii) might endanger the health or physical safety of other persons (whether in Singapore or another country); (iii) might constitute an offence under this Act; or (iv) might constitute an arrestable offence against any written law which is prescribed; and ( b ) the person should be refused a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document in order to prevent the person from engaging in the conduct, the competent authority may make a written request to the Controller — ( c ) to cancel any Singapore passport or Singapore travel document that has been issued to the person; or ( d ) to refuse to issue any Singapore passport or Singapore travel document to the person.
(2) A competent authority may make a written request to the Controller under subsection (1) — ( a ) whether or not the person has applied for a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document; ( b ) whether or not a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document has been issued to the person; and ( c ) whether or not that person is a citizen of Singapore.
(3) If a competent authority makes a written request to the Controller under subsection (1) in relation to any person, the Controller may, as the case may be — ( a ) cancel the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document of the person; or ( b ) refuse to issue a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document to the person.
(4) Despite subsection (3), where a competent authority makes a written request to the Controller under subsection (1) in relation to any person, the Controller must not — ( a ) cancel the Singapore passport or Singapore travel document of the person; or ( b ) refuse to issue a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document to the person, if that request relating to the person has been withdrawn by the competent authority or is no longer considered by the Controller to be current.
(5) Without affecting subsection (1), the Controller may cancel any Singapore passport or Singapore travel document issued to a person, or refuse to issue any Singapore passport or Singapore travel document to a person, if the Controller believes on reasonable grounds that — ( a ) if a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document were issued to the person, the person would be likely to engage in conduct that — (i) might prejudice the security of Singapore or any other country; (ii) might endanger the health or physical safety of other persons (whether in Singapore or another country); (iii) might constitute an offence under this Act; or (iv) might constitute an arrestable offence mentioned in subsection (1)( a )(iv); and ( b ) the person should be refused a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document in order to prevent the person from engaging in the conduct.
(6) In this section, “competent authority”, in relation to a circumstance mentioned in subsection (1) or (5) that relates to Singapore, means any public authority or public officer prescribed by the regulations to be a competent authority in relation to that circumstance.
Division 3 — Other reasons for refusing or cancelling
Repeated loss or thefts of Singapore passports
Open ↗25. The Controller may refuse to issue a Singapore passport to a person if — ( a ) before the passport application under consideration is made, 2 or more Singapore passports issued to the person have been lost or stolen; and ( b ) for reasons of passport security and integrity, the Controller considers that it is not desirable to issue that person with another Singapore passport.
Concurrently valid Singapore passports, etc.
Open ↗26. —(1) The Controller must not issue a Singapore passport to a person if the person has already been issued with a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document and that document is still valid. (2) Subsection (1) does not prevent the Controller from issuing a Singapore passport to the person in any circumstances specified in the Minister’s directions under section 5(2).
—(1) The Controller must not issue a Singapore passport to a person if the person has already been issued with a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document and that document is still valid.
(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent the Controller from issuing a Singapore passport to the person in any circumstances specified in the Minister’s directions under section 5(2).
Children
Open ↗27. —(1) The Controller must not issue a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document to a child unless — ( a ) the following person (whichever is applicable) consents to the child travelling internationally: (i) a person who has parental responsibility for the child; (ii) where the child is the subject of — (A) a voluntary care agreement under which the Director‑General of Social Welfare, a protector or the care‑giver of the child may consent to the child travelling internationally; (B) an order under section 54(1)( b ) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1993 under which the Director‑General of Social Welfare, a protector or the care‑giver of the child may consent to the child travelling internationally; or (C) an order under section 56(2) or section 57 (read with section 56) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1993 under which the Director‑General of Social Welfare, a protector or the care‑giver of the child may consent to the child travelling internationally, the Director‑General of Social Welfare, protector or care‑giver, as the case may be; or ( b ) an order of a court permits the child to travel internationally. [30/2019] (2) In this section, “care-giver”, “protector” and “voluntary care agreement” have the meanings given by section 2(1) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1993. [30/2019]
—(1) The Controller must not issue a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document to a child unless — ( a ) the following person (whichever is applicable) consents to the child travelling internationally: (i) a person who has parental responsibility for the child; (ii) where the child is the subject of — (A) a voluntary care agreement under which the Director‑General of Social Welfare, a protector or the care‑giver of the child may consent to the child travelling internationally; (B) an order under section 54(1)( b ) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1993 under which the Director‑General of Social Welfare, a protector or the care‑giver of the child may consent to the child travelling internationally; or (C) an order under section 56(2) or section 57 (read with section 56) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1993 under which the Director‑General of Social Welfare, a protector or the care‑giver of the child may consent to the child travelling internationally, the Director‑General of Social Welfare, protector or care‑giver, as the case may be; or ( b ) an order of a court permits the child to travel internationally. [30/2019]
(2) In this section, “care-giver”, “protector” and “voluntary care agreement” have the meanings given by section 2(1) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1993. [30/2019]
Division 4 — Appeals against refusals and cancellations
Appeal to Minister
Open ↗28. —(1) If a person is aggrieved by the Controller’s decision under this Act — ( a ) to refuse to issue a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document; ( b ) to refuse to extend a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document; or ( c ) to cancel a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document, other than a decision made because of a warrant of arrest issued in Singapore against the person, the person may, within 14 days after being notified of the decision (or such longer period as the Minister allows in exceptional circumstances, whether before or after the end of the 14 days), appeal to the Minister, whose decision is final. (2) An appeal must be in writing, and specify the grounds on which it is made. (3) After receiving an appeal under subsection (1), the Minister must consider the appeal and — ( a ) reject the appeal and confirm the Controller’s decision; ( b ) allow the appeal in whole or in part and vary the Controller’s decision; or ( c ) set aside the Controller’s decision, and the appellant must be notified in writing of the Minister’s decision in respect of his or her appeal accordingly.
—(1) If a person is aggrieved by the Controller’s decision under this Act — ( a ) to refuse to issue a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document; ( b ) to refuse to extend a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document; or ( c ) to cancel a Singapore passport or a Singapore travel document, other than a decision made because of a warrant of arrest issued in Singapore against the person, the person may, within 14 days after being notified of the decision (or such longer period as the Minister allows in exceptional circumstances, whether before or after the end of the 14 days), appeal to the Minister, whose decision is final.
(2) An appeal must be in writing, and specify the grounds on which it is made.
(3) After receiving an appeal under subsection (1), the Minister must consider the appeal and — ( a ) reject the appeal and confirm the Controller’s decision; ( b ) allow the appeal in whole or in part and vary the Controller’s decision; or ( c ) set aside the Controller’s decision, and the appellant must be notified in writing of the Minister’s decision in respect of his or her appeal accordingly.
Minister may designate others to hear appeals
Open ↗28A. —(1) The Minister may designate any of the following persons to hear and determine, in the Minister’s place, any appeal or a specific appeal under section 28: ( a ) the Second Minister (if any) for his or her Ministry; ( b ) any Minister of State for his or her Ministry; ( c ) any Parliamentary Secretary to his or her Ministry. [16/2016] (2) Any reference to the Minister in section 28 includes a reference to a person designated under subsection (1). [16/2016] (3) To avoid doubt, in this section — “Minister of State” includes a Senior Minister of State; “Parliamentary Secretary” includes a Senior Parliamentary Secretary. [16/2016]
—(1) The Minister may designate any of the following persons to hear and determine, in the Minister’s place, any appeal or a specific appeal under section 28: ( a ) the Second Minister (if any) for his or her Ministry; ( b ) any Minister of State for his or her Ministry; ( c ) any Parliamentary Secretary to his or her Ministry. [16/2016]
(2) Any reference to the Minister in section 28 includes a reference to a person designated under subsection (1). [16/2016]
(3) To avoid doubt, in this section — “Minister of State” includes a Senior Minister of State; “Parliamentary Secretary” includes a Senior Parliamentary Secretary. [16/2016]
Source: Singapore Statutes Online (Attorney-General's Chambers), © Government of Singapore.
