Simplifying Process of Cross-jurisdictional Recognition of Authenticity of Documents issued by Public Authorities

Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Law whether the Government intends to sign the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation of Foreign Public Documents 1961 ("Hague Apostille Convention") so as to rationalise the current practice of legalising public documents by consular officers and simplify the process of cross-jurisdictional recognition of the authenticity of documents issued by public authorities in Singapore and, if not, what is the reason.

Mr K Shanmugam: The Ministry of Law is currently studying the Hague Apostille Convention to determine the implications of Singapore signing on to it. We are consulting with domestic agencies and stakeholders to find out their concerns about the Convention. We have also engaged in discussions with representatives from the Hague Conference, as well as agencies from Contracting Parties to the Convention, about the practicalities involved in implementing the Convention.