Revocation of Permanent Residency Status

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs in the last five years (a) what is the number of persons who had their permanent residency status revoked; (b) what are the reasons for the revocation; and (c) whether the Government will revoke the permanent residency status of a person should the person be found to have caused social, racial or religious discontentment.

Page: 1143

Mr Teo Chee Hean: In the last five years, from 2007 to 2011, an average of 42 permanent residents had their PR status revoked each year. The key reasons for revocation include having been convicted and jailed for criminal offences, and providing false declarations in their PR applications.

The revocation of PR status is a serious matter. ICA makes a careful evaluation of the facts and circumstances of each case before action is taken to revoke the PR. The factors that are considered include the nature and severity of the offence, the sentence received for the offence, whether the conduct breached public peace or was prejudicial to public order, and the person's family ties in Singapore.

Page: 1143