Written Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on Instant Approvals of Exit Permit Applications Since 2018 and Update on EP Approval Process

Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Defence (a) for each year since 2018, what is the percentage of Exit Permit (EP) applicants who receive instant approvals; (b) whether the Ministry has ceased to instantly approve EP applications and, if so, why; (c) what is the median time taken to approve an EP if it is not instantly approved; and (d) what can applicants do to accelerate the approval process if their EP is not instantly approved.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: Exit Permits (EPs) are required to maintain the SAF and Home Team's operational readiness at all times. Pre-enlistees and full-time national servicemen (NSFs) who are disrupted from full-time National Service (NS) must apply for an EP if they intend to remain overseas for a period of three months or longer. NSmen need only apply for an EP if remaining overseas for 12 months or longer.

About 85% of the EPs issued between 2018-2023 were processed and issued on the same day. Of the remaining 15% of applications, the median time taken for approval is around seven days. A longer time is taken when applicants are required to provide additional documentation, resolve outstanding NS-related offences, or are scheduled for upcoming NS activities. Applicants can accelerate the process by providing additional documents promptly and resolving any outstanding NS-related offences.