APPLICATIONS FOR PASSPORTS (Review of procedure of handling documents)

Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister of Defence whether he is aware that documents submitted to the Immigration Department by applicants for passports have sometimes been returned undesirably folded up, if not torn; and whether he will review the present procedure of handling such documents to prevent this happening.

The Minister of State of Defence (Mr Wee Toon Boon) (for the Minister of Defence): Mr Speaker, Sir, the documents submitted by applicants for Singapore passports are usually not folded except the marriage certificate, as the present marriage certificate is of larger size than the application form. Before the marriage certificate is folded, prior permission is obtained from the applicants by the counter clerks.

A new system has been adopted whereby all documents are recorded on the application forms immediately on application and the documentary evidence returned to applicants immediately.