EXIT PERMITS FOR RESERVISTS

Dr Ho Tat Kin asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence if he will consider (i) issuing multiple exit permits to reservists who are on overseas postings and (ii) granting reservists going overseas for further studies exit permits for the duration of the course instead of on a yearly basis.

BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, again on behalf of my Minister.

As a general rule, reservists on overseas postings are granted single trip exit permits valid for one year. Those who are able to produce documentary proof of overseas employment of more than one year would be granted single trip exit permits with a maximum validity period not exceeding three years.

Multiple trip exit permits valid up to a year are issued to those who need to return to Singapore frequently during the validity period of their exit permits.

For reservists who are on overseas course of study, Mindef would grant them exit permits for the full duration of the course.

What the Member is asking to be done is, therefore, already being done.