SingaporeCan I be banned from leaving Singapore?
Yes, you can be banned from leaving Singapore if the Minister for Home Affairs issues a prohibition order under the Immigration Act.
What the Law Says
The Immigration Act gives the Minister for Home Affairs the power to prohibit a person from departing Singapore under certain circumstances.
Under section 34 of the Immigration Act, the Minister may issue a written order prohibiting any person from leaving Singapore. This power is exercised if the Minister believes it is necessary in the interests of Singapore’s security, public order, or public interest.
The prohibition order applies to all modes of departure — by air, sea, or land — and remains in force until it is revoked by the Minister. There is no automatic time limit; the ban can last indefinitely unless lifted.
The law does not require the Minister to give reasons publicly, nor does it provide a right of appeal to court — though affected persons may request reconsideration through administrative channels.
Statutory TextThe Minister may, by order in writing, prohibit any person from departing from Singapore.
— Immigration Act, s. 34 — Prohibition of departure from Singapore
What to Do
If you receive a written prohibition order, do not attempt to leave Singapore.
Contact the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to request information about the basis and duration of the order.
Seek legal advice from a Singapore-qualified lawyer to explore options for representation or review.
If your circumstances change (e.g., new evidence or resolution of underlying concerns), submit a formal request for revocation to the Minister.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.