Orient - The Official Magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore - Issue 67 July 2018 - Page 23 A MESSAGE FROM THE British High Commission: Singapore Local Laws and Customs: Preventing Drunk and disorderly conduct
legal representation. The progress of the case is monitored and support is provided.
It is the removal of the passport following arrest and the length of time the legal process takes which causes the most anxiety. This is especially true for visitors to Singapore. A short holiday to watch the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix can turn into months of being stranded in Singapore. This puts a strain on finances from legal fees, accommodation and living costs during this indeterminate time. Family life is disrupted if the family resides in another country. Employment is interrupted, sometimes leading to termination. It can be long drawn even if only a stern warning is administered at the conclusion of the case. For those residing in Singapore, having charges or an impending investigation can, in the least, mean an uncomfortable conversation with employers or at the worst, employment termination. While there is the ability to travel, it is at the discretion of the police and permission needs to be granted for the retrieval and return of your passport for each trip. This is difficult when work trips can be at short notice. If a job involves travel, which most do in this region, the ability to carry out that role is impaired.
Following a court appearance and conviction, it is common to have the nationality, name, age, job title and employer mentioned in the press, sometimes accompanied by a photograph. This type of article has a direct effect on careers and reputation. The article often attracts vitriolic comments on social media by the public.
A conviction may lead to incarceration and sentences are usually around one to three months depending on charges and circumstances. Spending any length of time in Changi prison is very hard and will take a psychological toll. Inmates are expected to spend 23 hours a day in a shared cell and will eat, sleep, shower and use the toilet in the cell. Consular representatives will undertake prison visits to check on the physical and mental wellbeing of British nationals.
After incarceration, an Employment Pass holder can expect to be deported and a travel ban will usually be imposed. Consular representatives will assist in organising (but not pay) for deportation.
The far reaching consequences of arrests for drunk and disorderly behaviour is why the British High Commission Consular Section is undertaking a sustained campaign at both community level and through social media in hopes of reducing the number of incidents for the coming year and beyond.
The British High Commission in Singapore maintains and develops relations between the UK and Singapore. Find out more on the UK and Singapore news page: www.gov.uk/world/singapore/news. They provide services to British nationals living in and visiting Singapore. You can access UK government services while in Singapore at www.gov.uk/world/singapore.
Please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/singapore to stay informed about local do's and don'ts. Visit www.travelaware.campaign.gov.uk for further information on the Travel Aware campaign.