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If an accused person needs to leave Singapore on bail
Apply for permission to leave Singapore
As an accused person, you are required to stay in Singapore while on bail. If you need to leave the country, you will have to apply for the court's permission. This is also known as a permission to leave jurisdiction.
How to apply
You should apply for the court’s permission as soon as you finalise your travel plans. The court will need time to process your application. This may include ascertaining whether the prosecution has submissions to make in relation to your application and/or scheduling a hearing to decide whether to approve or reject the request. If a hearing is needed, a suitable hearing date will need to be determined, taking into consideration the parties’, the bailors’ and the court’s availability. Both you and your bailor(s) must attend the hearing.
You and your bailor will need to follow these steps:
Step | Who does it | Result |
|---|---|---|
The accused | Notification of court hearing date, if the judge wishes to hear your application | |
Bailor and the accused | Approval or rejection of request to leave Singapore | |
3. Report to the Bail Centre or | Bailor and the accused | Return the accused's passport to custody |
1. Submit an application
You must submit a written application through one of the following ways:
Application method | Where to submit |
|---|---|
Fill out a hardcopy application form | State Courts Service Hub |
File an online application | |
Write to us | |
Send a letter via post | The Registrar, State Courts |
The written application must clearly state:
- Your name.
- Your identity card (NRIC or FIN) number.
- Upcoming mention, pre-trial conference (PTC) or trial dates.
- The court where your case is heard.
- The trip destination.
- The trip duration.
- The purpose of the trip.
A judge will consider the application, and you will be notified of the outcome. If the judge wishes to hear the application, you will also be informed of the date and time to attend court.
2. Attend court hearing
Your bailor must be present together with you at the date and time of the court hearing. At the court hearing, you may be asked to state:
- Your reasons for leaving Singapore.
- Your intention to make a single or multiple trips.
- The intended destinations.
- The expected date of departure from Singapore.
- The expected date of arrival in Singapore.
Your bailor must agree with your statements before the court considers the application. In the event your bailor does not agree with any statement made, they can provide reasons for their objection.
If permission is given, your passport will be returned to you. However, the court may increase the bail amount and include additional bail conditions to prevent you from jumping bail while overseas.
Note
If your bail amount is increased or if additional bail conditions are imposed, your bailor must go to the Bail Centre and appear before the magistrate again to assess their suitability as a bailor (with respect to your application to leave jurisdiction).
You can only leave Singapore after the magistrate finds your bailor suitable for your application to leave jurisdiction, and the Bail Centre processes the additional bail amount.
3. Report to the Bail Centre or police station upon return to Singapore
Depending on your bail conditions, you may have to return your passport at the State Courts Bail Centre or police station within 24 hours of your return to Singapore.
If you fail to do so, you may be arrested and the security provided by your bailor may be forfeited.
Contact the Family Courts at 6435 5471or email fjc_maintpos@judiciary.gov.sg with your request. The court will inform you of what happens next.
Write in to the Supreme Court at supct_registry@judiciary.gov.sg with your request. Include your case reference number, the names of the parties involved, the purpose of your trip, the departure and return dates, and whether your bailor or the Attorney-General's Chambers has any objections. The court will inform you of what happens next.
Go to Step-by-step guide
Step-by-step guide
Check bailor's eligibility and requirements
Post bail at the Bail Centre
Receive a refund of bail
2021/07/23
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