Guidance

Information pack for British nationals arrested or detained in Singapore

Updated 6 June 2025

This information is not meant to be definitive, and is not a substitute for independent legal advice.  

Neither Her Majesty’s Government nor its staff take any responsibility for the accuracy of the information, nor accept liability for any loss, costs, damage, or expense that you might suffer as a result of relying on the information.  The information contained in this guide is general and factual.  You should contact local lawyers for independent legal advice. 

Chapter 1: Key Points

Overview

If you are a British national and are arrested or detained in another country, consular staff will do what they can to help you, but they cannot interfere with the local justice system, get you out of jail, or pay for services such as a lawyer. Information about who we can help, including the circumstances in which we can assist dual nationals, is available at: Support for British Nationals Abroad.

This detention information pack is designed to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in Singapore and who can help. A printed copy is provided to those in prison or in custody.

We welcome feedback to improve the information we provide.

Contacting us

If you are arrested or detained in another country:

• You can ask the authorities to contact the British High Commission if this is what you wish. However, under Singapore law, there is no obligation for them to take action while you are detained. They may do this once you are released.

• Friends or family can also contact the local British High Commission or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

The police will notify us if you request it; in most cases, they will do this once you are released on bail. If you are sentenced to prison, the prison authorities will contact us whether you request it or not.

Who we are

Consular staff work in the FCDO in London and in British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates overseas.

The British High Commission in Singapore is at:

100 Tanglin Road Singapore 247919

Your main point of contact is the Consular Section. Our 24-hour consular number is (65) 6424 4200.

You can also contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the FCDO on 0207 008 5000.

What we can do

The FCDO can offer you impartial and non-judgmental help. When we are notified of your arrest or detention, we will aim to contact you as soon as possible, so that we can assess how we can help you. We then aim to provide assistance according to your individual circumstances and local conditions. Our priority is to provide assistance to those British nationals overseas that need our help the most.

In Singapore, notification by the authorities to the consulate normally takes place a few days after you’re released on police bail, and only if you request that we be notified. Once we are notified, we will aim to contact you as soon as possible.

We can also:

• provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters.  See list of local English-speaking lawyers,
• provide general information about the country, detention conditions, and the local legal system (including if legal aid is available)
• provide general information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, and welfare services
• keep in regular contact with you, either by visiting or by telephone/letter. The frequency of contact will depend on local conditions and your personal circumstances
• tell the police or prison doctor, with your permission, about any medical or dental problems including medication
• put you, or your family, in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity called Prisoners Abroad and / or death penalty project.
• in some circumstances we may be able to help take up complaints with the police or prison authorities about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination, if you are not treated in line with internationally recognised standards
• help to transfer money to you from your friends or family. In places where phone or postal services are not available we can also try to pass on messages and deliver letters to the prison (but generally we cannot arrange for delivery directly to you)

What we cannot do

• Get you out of prison or detention
• Help you get special treatment because you are British
• Offer legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime
• Pay for any costs because you have been arrested
• Forward you packages sent by friends or family
• Prevent authorities from deporting you after release

First steps

Informing family members

If you want us to, we can tell your family or friends that you have been detained and provide them with information about how to contact you. With your consent, we can also keep them updated on your wellbeing. 

If you are not sure about informing your family, we can help you consider what the impact of not doing so might be. For example, it may cause them distress if they do not know where you are or cannot contact you. It can also be a disadvantage to you if you need someone to send you money or act on your behalf while you are detained.

Informing the UK police

If you are accused of certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drugs trafficking, we are obliged to share information about your arrest with UK police. Information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. There may be other circumstances when information about you may need to be shared with authorities in Singapore

Legal assistance: lawyers

We cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings, or investigate a crime. However, we can provide information about the local legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is available. We can also give you a list of local interpreters and a list of local English-speaking lawyers. You should consider the benefits of local legal representation and discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative. We cannot pay your legal or interpretation costs in any circumstance.

Consular assistance: fair treatment

We cannot get you out of prison or detention or get you special treatment because you are British. If you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards, we will consider whether to approach the local authorities. This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

Other organisations that can provide assistance

We can put you, or your family, in touch with Prisoners Abroad and Death penalty project UK charities which supports British citizens detained overseas and their families.

Chapter 2: Detention conditions in Singapore

Visits: friends and family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

You should consult FCDO travel advice before you travel to Singapore for the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

Family members are allowed to visit. An appointment to visit must be done online through www.sps.gov.sg - look under ‘E-services’. If you are not resident in Singapore or do not have a SingPass, the Consular section in the British High Commission can help, our number is: +65 6424 4200

Your family must bring a document to show proof of relationship to you during their first visit:

Parents	Your birth certificate stating both parents’ names
Siblings	Birth certificates for you and your siblings to show that one or both parents’ names are the same
Spouse	Marriage certificate
Child	Birth certificate showing your name as one of the parents

Documents in a foreign language must be translated into English.

If needed, your family can order a copy of a birth or marriage certificate on GOV.UK.

For each visit, family members must bring their passport as proof of identification. They should follow a dress code – in general, covered legs and covered shoulders.

If you’re on remand: you’re allowed 4 visits per week, maximum of 2 face-to-face visits/week.

If serving sentence: you’re allowed 2 visits per month, maximum of 1 face-to-face visit/month.

There are two types of visits: face-to-face (you and your family are in the same room, with a glass partition between you) and tele-visit (this is similar to Skype or Zoom video calls, but visiting family must be at a designated visit centre in Singapore).

What to expect during visits

For face-to-face visits, you and your family are in a small room with a glass partition between you. This lasts for 20 minutes.

For tele-visits, your family will be in a designated visit centre in Singapore where a camera in a small room is set up. You’ll speak to each other on a video screen. Your family will need to be in Singapore for this – it isn’t available if they’re in the UK or overseas. Tele-visits last for 30 minutes.

Visitors go through a screening process, so they should be at the visit centre at least 15 minutes before the scheduled booking.

What is allowed during visits

Visitors can bring in books or magazines for you (up to 3 in total) on the scheduled visit day, but these must be left at the visit centre reception area. These materials will be screened. It will take up to 2 weeks before the materials are handed to you.

If you are on remand, your visitors may purchase pre-approved snack packs at the Prison Link Centre for you. Visitors are not allowed to bring any other food in.

Visits: consular staff

Consular staff in Singapore normally visit at the start of the sentence, and then once every six months and if needed. If there’s an urgent issue you’d like to discuss with us, ask your Correctional Unit Officer to get a message to us. You’ll need to complete a form for this. Follow up with them until they confirm that the request has been sent – this is done via fax. We aim to visit or speak with you as soon as we receive your request.

You can also request for an official letter from the prison authorities to write to us at any time on matters that concern you:

Consular Section

British High Commission
100 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247919

However if it is urgent it may be quicker to ask prison authorities to contact us on your behalf.

Emergency trips outside of prison

It is possible to make an application for an emergency trip if an urgent situation arises (eg. funerals and critical illness of a prisoner’s next-of-kin). This only applies to inmates with family in Singapore. The final decision rests with the prison authorities.

Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

If you’re placed under arrest, the police will inform you of the grounds for arrest. They may do this in general terms, without going into detail.

Upon your arrest, you may be detained for up to 48 hours. While in detention, you may ask to speak with your family or a lawyer. However, this request may be refused if the police assess that this will affect their investigation.

Within 48 hours, the police must release you on bail or bring you to court if they need to detain you for a longer period. Final decision rests with the courts. At this point, you can ask the courts for permission to contact your family or speak with a lawyer.

If the court allows you to be detained beyond the initial 48 hours, you might not have access to a lawyer. The Singapore constitution allows for access to legal counsel, but immediate access is not guaranteed.

During the initial 48-hour period, you will be asked to give a long statement: - this will be recorded by a police officer with no lawyer present - this will be read back to you, then you will be asked to sign this statement. It is a legal requirement to sign this statement; make sure that the details recorded are accurate - if you find any inaccuracies, you must tell the police officer

Speak to a lawyer immediately upon your release on bail. Tell your lawyer as much as you can remember about information you gave in the long statement.

The police will retain your passport to prevent you from leaving the country. This is standard procedure in police investigations.

The investigation process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. There is no set timeline or target to complete these investigations. Singapore is one of the most expensive cities to live in, so consider downscaling: find cheap accommodation or stay with friends; minimise spending; contact friends/family for financial support. The British High Commission is unable to help with accommodation or expenses.

Once the investigation process concludes, your case will be referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC or the prosecution). They will decide on one of these outcomes:

• no charges filed
• issue an advisory or warning in lieu of prosecution
• impose a composition fine in lieu of prosecution
• file charges against you  

Depending on the offence, your work pass or permanent residency status may be revoked by the Ministry of Manpower or Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.

If you get a warning or have to pay a composition fine, your passport will be returned once you’ve complied with the requirements set.

If you are charged and subsequently convicted, you will be repatriated back to the UK immediately after you have served your sentence.

If the police tell you that you may be charged for an offence, the officer is required to serve and read this notice to you:

‘You have been charged with [or informed that you may be prosecuted for] -

(set out the charge)

‘Do you want to say anything about the charge that was just read to you? If you keep quiet now about any fact or matter in your defence and you reveal this fact or matter in your defence only at your trial, the judge may be less likely to believe you. This may have a bad effect on your case in court. Therefore, it may be better for you to mention such fact or matter now. If you wish to do so, what you say will be written down, read back to you for any mistakes to be corrected, and then signed by you.’

At this stage, you will need to give a cautioned statement:

• this will be recorded by a police officer or any person charged with investigating offences
• no lawyer will be present
• this will be in writing; it will be read back to you, then you will be asked to sign this statement
• if you find any inaccuracies, you must tell the police officer

Exceptions to being detained without a trial include:

Under Singapore’s Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act 1955 an individual, aged 18 and above, can be detained without a trial for up to 12 months for the criminal acts listed below:

• Unlicensed moneylending
• Drug trafficking
• Involvement in a secret society/as a gangster
• Human trafficking
• Robbery with firearms
• Murder
• Gang rape
• Kidnapping
• Participating or facilitating in any organised crime activity
• Aiding or abetting any of the offences above

More information on this can be found under Singapore Legal Advice.

Appearing at court

You will be brought before a Mention Court where charges will be filed against you.

A case number will be assigned.

At Mention Court, one of three scenarios can take place:

• case is adjourned to a later date – prosecution can ask for more time to complete the investigation, or you may request for more time to find a lawyer, if you don’t have one at this stage
• you plead guilty – a date could be fixed for you to plead guilty at the next Mention
• you claim trial (i.e. contest the charges) – a Pre-Trial Conference or a Criminal Case Disclosure Conference is set

Read more information see the section: Singapore judicial system

Initial arrival at the prison

Once convicted, you’ll be taken from the court house to prison. All new inmates go through a screening process: - your next of kin details are recorded - a full body x-ray scan is taken - medical history taken – if you are on any medication, tell the prison officers at this stage - a blood test is taken after a few days to check for any viruses or infectious diseases

As part of infectious disease precautionary measure, you will be in isolation until you are medically cleared to join the prison population.

Your belongings and clothes will be taken and placed in a secure storage facility offsite. These will be handed back to you on your day of release.

You will be issued these items:

• White shirts with your inmate number printed on them
• Short trousers
• Rubber flip flops
• A straw mat and blanket (there are no beds in prison)
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, towels, mug

Once you are admitted into prison, the authorities will notify the British High Commission consular team. We will arrange a visit or phone call with you as soon as possible.

You won’t be allowed any phone calls to family in Singapore or the UK. You can relay any messages to family through us.

Prison: conditions and daily life

Accommodation

Those on remand (i.e. awaiting trial or sentencing) are held separately from those serving sentence.

There are shared and single cells. Each cell has a toilet (Asian style; there are no Western toilets in the prison) and a shower head directly above it. Water from the shower/faucet is potable.

There are no beds in Changi Prison except in the medical wards. All inmates sleep on a thin straw mat.

Overcrowding is not a problem in Changi Prison but prison cells are small and basic.

The larger cells (dormitories) have a better flow of air. When serving a prison sentence you can expect to be sharing a cell. Prisoners are issued with a straw mat and blanket for sleeping and they sleep on the floor.

Short-term inmates spend 23 hours in their cell with one hour of exercise a day. This is done in a covered court. Those with longer jail terms may be eligible for work programmes in prison. You should speak to your Correctional Unit Officer to find out if work programmes are an option for you.

Prison cells usually have a security camera. Cells have some natural light from a small window.

Female prisoners are segregated from male prisoners and the female unit is fully staffed by only female staff.

Food and diet

Prisoners receive three meals each day. The prison authorities state that the food they provide is a balanced diet. The food will be based on local recipes rather than Western food.

If you have special dietary needs, make it known to the prison authorities once you are admitted or soon after. They will accommodate your needs as best as they can.

Prisoners get drinking water from the shower in their cell. Water in Singapore is potable.

Hygiene

Each cell has a shower, and there’s no limit to how many times a prisoner can take a shower. The shower/toilet area is separated from the rest of the cell by a low wall –there is no door, so hardly any privacy. Toiletries are provided.

Work and study

Work programmes are provided for inmates. Inmates who engage in work programmes are given an allowance. Many of those serving long sentences welcome participating in work programmes as a chance to spend time outside their cells

Courses in prison are also offered, but a number of factors are taken into consideration. Inmates should speak with their officer-in-charge to find out if they qualify for these courses.

Contact and languages

Contact with other inmates is allowed during yard time and working hours.

We are not aware of any preferences to place British inmates with other English-speaking inmates. From what we have seen, cell assignments are made at random. The prison officers speak English.

Inmates do not have access to phones. They may be issued one tablet to send
e-letters to up to five designated friends/family members.

Inmates are not allowed to own a television. They can watch an hour of TV during yard time, with a slightly longer period during holidays (e.g. Christmas).

The prison has a well-stocked library. Prisoners can receive books and magazines from friends and family, but they’re allowed to keep up to three books at a time. The rest shall be kept in storage. The inmate can request to swap a book they’ve read with a new book sent by family.

There is the possibility to request local language materials through the post from Prisoners Abroad (including language textbooks and dictionaries).

You can request local language materials through the post from Prisoners Abroad (including language textbooks and dictionaries).

Recreational activity

Recreational activity is allowed once a day (on weekdays) in either the recreational yard or dayroom. You can walk or play team sports with other inmates (e.g. basketball or sepak takraw aka ‘kick volleyball’, an Asian sport) read the newspapers or play boardgames.

Climate

Singapore has a warm and tropical climate with an average daily temperature of 28 to 32 degrees Celsius. Humidity ranges from 60 to 70 percent. Prison-issued clothing is appropriate to the weather (cotton t-shirts, shorts). There is no air-conditioning or fans in the prison cells so it can be uncomfortable, especially in the hot months.

Religion

Prisoners have the right to receive visits from a priest, imam, or minister of their faith. The prison has no religious ministers as part of their staff, but external volunteers can visit the prison subject to prevailing security and regulations. Participation in any religious activity is subject to the approval of the prison authorities.

Rules and regulations (including drugs)

Prison rules and regulations are explained to prisoners when they are first admitted/processed.

Forms of punishment: having their sentence extended by a number of days, depending on the offence; solitary confinement; corporal punishment, for males under the age of 50, by a number of strokes, depending upon the offence. This is all covered under the Prisons Act.

Singapore has a zero tolerance for drugs.

Prison: access to help and services

Receiving money

Prisoners in Singapore are not allowed to receive money from family or friends in the UK except for buying spectacles or any non-standard medication that’s pre-approved by the prison authorities.

For spectacles or non-standard medication, your family can send money through the FCDO. See Annex B for instructions.

Another option is to contact Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity that supports British prisoners around the world. Depending on where you are detained, if your family cannot support you financially, Prisoners Abroad may be able to send you a small grant every quarter for essentials (enough for one hot meal a day).

The UK government does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

You must be registered with Prisoners Abroad to avail yourself of financial support.

Prisoners Abroad

Prisoners Abroad may be able to assist you with funding for prison essentials and some medical care since prisoners in Singapore are not allowed to receive money from family or friends.

Medical and Dental treatment

While you are in detention, Singapore is responsible for ensuring your medical needs are met.

Changi Prison has a prison doctor and dentist. Prisoners should speak with their Correctional Unit Officer if they need medical attention. There is no charge to see a doctor or dentist. Hospitalisation, medical procedures, and surgeries are covered by the Singapore Prison Service.

There is a Medical Centre located within Changi Prison. If prisoners require serious medical treatment, they are usually taken to Government Restructured Hospitals.

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you might have are brought to the attention of any police or prison doctor. We can also liaise with your GP in the UK, if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records and this is in your vital interest.

Letters and parcels

Prisoners are allowed either two outgoing snail mail (letters) or four outgoing e-letters per month through the Singapore Prison Service e-letters system: e-Services (sps.gov.sg)

All mail and e-letters are screened by the prison authorities.

The British High Commission does not receive parcels on an inmate’s behalf; family/friends should send it directly to the prison, making sure that it has the inmate’s full name, prisoner number, and address in the addressee field. It’s best to send these via courier to track the delivery.

Telephone calls

Phone calls are not allowed.

Making a complaint about mistreatment

If you have been mistreated, you should inform consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and explain any local complaints procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider. With your permission, and where appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you have not been treated in line with internationally-accepted standards. If you have been mistreated, try to see a doctor, obtain a medical report and if possible take photos of your injuries.

You can file a complaint with the Board of Visiting Justices and the Board of Visitors. These board members are civilians who conduct surprise visits and inspections of the prison institutions. For more information, see Section 79 of the Prisons Act.

You can also approach the superintendent of your institution or any prison officer.

Chapter 3: The Singapore judicial system

Overview

Some important things to note:

Corporal and capital punishment are recognised as forms of punishment under Singapore law for males aged 16 to 50 years of age.

Corporal punishment is carried out by caning. This involves the use of a rattan cane to strike a prisoner in the buttocks. The maximum number of strokes allowed is 24. Offences such as drug trafficking, outrage of modesty (i.e. molestation), rape, or assaulting a public servant can lead to corporal punishment, as can some non-violent offences such as vandalism (graffiti) and immigration offences. The High Court can impose caning of up to ten strokes, with a smaller cane, on juvenile male offenders.

Capital punishment is carried out by hanging and cannot be passed against an accused who was below 18 years of age at the time of the offence. Offences such as drug trafficking, terrorism, murder and unauthorised use of firearms can lead to a death sentence.

If you are charged with an offence that entails corporal or capital punishment as part of the sentence, you can seek help from the Death Penalty Project, a UK-based NGO. They are a panel of solicitors who can work with your local lawyer on your defence. They won’t be the lead counsel, so it’s important to appoint a local lawyer first. The Supreme Court also administers the Legal Assistance Scheme for Capital Offences (LASCO), which offers free legal counsel if you are charged with capital offences.

For a list of lawyers in Singapore: www.gov.uk/government/publications/singapore-list-of-lawyers

For more on the Death Penalty Project: www.deathpenaltyproject.org/who-we-are/

1. A person under arrest can be detained for up to 48 hours without access to a lawyer. The Singapore constitution allows for access to legal counsel following one’s arrest – however, immediate access is not guaranteed if it impacts on public safety and on the investigation process. Some crimes in Singapore can lead to detention without trial. For more information on this, please see our section on exceptions to being detained without a trial. A foreigner under arrest can ask for their embassy/high commission to be notified; however, there is no obligation for the police to do this while they are detained.

2. Cases are tried by a judge – there is no jury system in Singapore.

3. A person who is to be charged in court can either plead guilty or claim trial (i.e. not guilty)

4. Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether you plead guilty or not.

The FCDO cannot interfere with the judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British, or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

First steps

What should happen after you are arrested

The police can inform you of the reason and grounds for arrest, but they are under no obligation to go into detail.

While in detention, you may ask to speak with your family or a lawyer; however, this request may be refused if the police think it will affect their investigation.

You will be notified of your rights to consular access, where you will be asked if you wish to inform the embassy of your arrest. This request may be refused if any external contact affects their investigation. We are usually notified after the detainee is released on police bail.

Depending on the nature of the offence, you could be detained at one of the police lock-ups. You will be informed of your rights to medical treatment, toiletries, food and drinks and housed in the lock-up cell. You should be given access to food and water.

The arresting officer will seek to take a ‘long statement’ from you, then a ‘cautioned statement’ if you are to be charged. A lawyer is not allowed to be with you when giving these statements.

In most cases, a long statement is taken shortly after arrest – it is unlikely you have had the chance to speak with a lawyer at that point. Try to remember as much as you can of what you said in that statement, then contact a lawyer immediately.

The police can keep you in detention up to 48 hours – beyond that point, they should seek a court order if they’d like to hold you for a longer period.

English is the official language in Singapore, so all official documents are in English.

If you have any questions on the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer. See for a list of local English-speaking lawyers.

How long you can be remanded in custody

If you’re in custody due to a bailable offence, you can generally be released on bail or personal bond once the required amount and an appropriate bailor/surety are identified.

If you’re in custody due to a non-bailable offence, and bail is not granted, you shall be on remand for the duration of the trial. Time served may be counted towards the total sentence.

In general, those on remand in Prisons are allowed 4 visits a week, maximum of 2 face-to-face visits per week. Those who are serving sentence are allowed 2 visits per month, maximum of 1 face-to-face visit per month.

There are two types of visits: face-to-face which allows the inmate and their family to be in the same room, with a glass partition between them; the other is a tele-visit, similar to a video-teleconference like Skype or Zoom, available only at Prison Link Centres in Singapore. This is not available to family members residing overseas.

Prisoners on remand and sentenced prisoners: differences

Those on remand (i.e. awaiting trial or sentencing) are held separately from those serving sentence.

If you’re on remand: you’re allowed 4 visits per week, maximum of 2 face-to-face visits/week.

If serving sentence: you’re allowed 2 visits per month, maximum of 1 face-to-face visit/month.

After you are charged

You will be brought before a Mention Court for the charges to be laid against you. A case number will be assigned.

The case could be adjourned (if the prosecution needs more time to investigate), or you could plead guilty or claim trial (i.e. not guilty).

Bail

Certain offences are bailable as of right; others are not. If you are prosecuted in Court, it is up to the courts to determine whether to grant bail or not.

Once you are out on bail, you cannot leave Singapore without the approval of the court or police officer. The Court may also impose conditions on the bail under section 94 of the Criminal Procedure Code 2010. The bailor/surety must also agree to this.

In most cases, your passport shall be kept by the police from the time of arrest –including while you’re on bail – until the time when charges are dropped or you have served your sentence.

Any decisions to grant bail is based on the offence, not the nationality of the offender. Foreigners can be released on bail as long as they meet the requirements set for bail.

The Court can take into account several factors in deciding whether to grant bail.  A non-exhaustive list of factors (which apply regardless of nationality) can be found in rule 5 of the Criminal Procedure Rules 2018. These include the nature and seriousness of the offence, the place of domicile of the accused, amongst other considerations.

The FCDO cannot transfer bail funds.

Plead-Guilty, Trial and legal assistance

Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

If you wish to hire a private lawyer, see the list of English-speaking lawyers.

Prisoners Abroad can also supply general (non-Singapore specific) information on legal aid, court proceedings and can advise on appointing a lawyer.

Some firms on our list of lawyers offer legal aid or pro bono service, although this is not common.

Permanent residents (PRs) facing non-capital offences can apply for criminal defence aid from the Public Defender’s Office (PDO). If you pass the means and merits tests, a Public Defender or a volunteer lawyer under Pro Bono SG’s Criminal Legal Aid Scheme will be assigned to you.

Foreigners who are not PRs can approach other non-government avenues and organisations for legal assistance. For example:

• Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ACMI)
• Pro Bono SG (PBSG)

Plead-Guilty and Trial Procedures

Pleading Guilty 

• After you are prosecuted for an offence and appear in the Mentions Court, you may be asked to indicate whether you will be entering a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you indicate your intention to plead guilty and no further investigations are needed, the case will be scheduled for a hearing for you to plead guilty before a Judge.

• On the date set for you to plead guilty, the charge will be read and explained to you. The Court must be satisfied that you understand the nature and consequences of your plea and the punishment prescribed for the offence, and that you intend to admit to the offence without qualification. If you are represented by a lawyer, the Court will record the lawyer’s confirmation of the same.

• After you are found guilty and convicted of the charge, the Prosecution may address the Court on sentence, including, where applicable, highlighting to the Court any past criminal records, victim impact statement or any other relevant factors which may affect the sentence. The Court must then hear any plea in mitigation of sentence you have, and any reply by the Prosecution, before passing the sentence.

• If you have pleaded guilty and are convicted on that plea, you may appeal only against the extent or legality of the sentence, and not the conviction.

Claiming Trial

• If you plead not guilty or refuse to plead and choose to go to trial, you have the right to defend yourself in court before an unbiased judge. If the investigations are complete, the Court may transfer the case out of the Mentions Court for pre-trial conferences.

• The pre-trial period can be lengthy, as the Prosecution and the Defence prepare their evidence and line up witnesses to testify on their behalf. Several pre-trial conferences may be held to update the judge on the progress of the case and discuss any administrative matters, before the trial dates are scheduled.

• During the pre-trial period, you may either be released on bail or remanded in custody. If you are released on bail, you may have to comply with certain conditions, such as staying in the country or putting up a financial bond that will be returned after the verdict is announced. You can represent yourself or hire a lawyer to assist you in preparing your defense.

• Singapore does not adopt a jury system, and criminal trials are heard by a single judge. At the trial, evidence will be presented by both the prosecution and the defense, and witnesses will be called to testify. Witnesses will first be questioned by the lawyer or prosecutor who called them to testify (examination-in-chief), followed by the opposing side (cross-examination), and finally by the initial lawyer or prosecutor again (re-examination). The accused may choose to testify or remain silent.

• After all evidence has been presented, each side will deliver their closing arguments summarising their case for or against the guilt of the accused. This is the final stage of the trial before the judge announces their verdict.

• If the accused is found guilty, similar to a Plead-Guilty hearing, the Prosecution and Defence will submit their address on sentence and plea-in-mitigation respectively. The Court will then impose a sentence that takes into account the nature and severity of the crime, their level of remorse, the likelihood of reoffending, amongst other factors. If the verdict is not guilty, the accused is free to leave the courthouse and resume their normal life. For both outcomes, there is an option to appeal against the verdict and/or the sentence.

Consular staff are not legally trained; for any questions on the judicial process, speak to your lawyer.

Sentences

A person’s nationality is not a relevant sentencing consideration under Singapore law.

However, the fact that a person is not a resident in Singapore may mean that certain sentences which involve long term supervision in the community, such as probation, are less likely to be imposed.

Here are sentencing options usually imposed in Singapore on persons who are not Singapore residents:

1. Fines

Depending on the type and severity of offence, fines can be imposed as an alternative to a prison sentence, or in addition to it.

If an offender does not pay the fine, he must serve a sentence of imprisonment in default. The length of the default sentence will be decided by the Court.

2. Imprisonment

At the end of their sentence, foreigner inmates will be repatriated. The Singapore government does not pay for flights; it is up to the inmate or their family to do this.

The repatriation division of Immigration & Checkpoints Authority will liaise with the family on flight arrangements.

3. Caning

The maximum number of strokes is 24. The following are exempt from caning: women, men over 50 years old, and men who have been sentenced to death.

A medical officer will be present and will certify that the person is fit enough to undergo caning. If caning has to be stopped due to medical reasons, the Court may either remit the sentence or impose an additional term of imprisonment according to section 332 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

4. Death by hanging

Only the High Court or the Court of Appeal can sentence an offender to death. 

Appeals

An appeal can be made within 14 days of the judgement, sentence, or order.

An appeal on a judgement, sentence, or order made by the District or Magistrate’s Court in any criminal case can be made with the High Court.

An appeal on a judgement, sentence, or order made by the High Court can be made with the Court of Appeal.

The prosecution can also appeal against an acquittal, a sentence, or an order.

Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

The conditional remission of 1/3 of your total imprisonment sentence is dependent on your conduct and behaviour in prison. For example, if you are sentenced to 9 years in prison, you will only serve 6 years of the sentence if you had maintained good conduct and behaviour in prison. However, you will not be entitled to remission if you are sentenced to an aggregate term of imprisonment of 14 days or less. 

Your sentence can be extended by a few days at a time if you violate prison rules, get into fights, etc.

Early release

Release on parole is not available to foreigners in Singapore.

Clemency or pardon

A prisoner can write to the President of Singapore to appeal for clemency on any part of their sentence. Clemency requests are decided by the Cabinet of Singapore. Appeals for clemency are made by the individual concerned, but a lawyer or others could assist with suggestions for the content. In Singapore, clemency requests are almost never approved.

Financial penalties

There are no fines/financial penalties while in prison in Singapore.

Transfer to another prison within Singapore

There is only one prison complex in Singapore: Changi Prison. We have known inmates to have requested transfers from one block to another, subject to prison authorities’ approval. The British High Commission is not usually involved in these requests unless mistreatment is involved.

Transfer to a prison in the UK

No – there is no prisoner transfer agreement between the UK and Singapore.

Release and deportation

A month before your release, officers from the repatriation department of Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will visit you to go over some pre-departure reminders.

They will seek your consent to contact a family member who can book your outbound flight. ICA does not pay for flights, and neither does the British High Commission.

ICA will coordinate with your family on flights and any pre-departure requirement.

On your day of release, you will leave prison around midday, then turned over to ICA. You will be in immigration detention until shortly before your flight leaves. You will be escorted by ICA to the airport until check in.

If your passport has expired during your incarceration, we will assist with your passport application. Once the passport is issued, we will hand this over to ICA. They will give it to you on the day you leave Singapore.

The consular team will be in touch a month or so before your release to go over Prisoners Abroad pre-release paperwork if you have signed up as their client.

Sometimes people find that they face difficulties adjusting to life in the UK once they have left prison. You may find yourself ready for life on the outside but not prepared for living in the UK. You may not have lived in the UK before and have no connections there, or perhaps you have lost touch with friends and family. You may want to talk to another person who understands what you have been through, to help you consider what to do next.

If you are registered with Prisoners Abroad, you can visit Prisoners Abroad when you first arrive back in UK for advice, to use their temporary luggage store, make essential phone calls or use a computer. If you have no belongings Prisoners Abroad may be able to help with basic toiletries and finding suitable clothing. If you know your release date in advance you should tell the Prisoner and Family Support Team when you are likely to arrive and what help you think you might need. If you have no money and nowhere to go, Prisoners Abroad Resettlement Service can help with:

• advice on finding emergency accommodation in the London area
• claiming welfare benefits, including emergency benefit payments if you are destitute
• making appointments with doctors and dentists
• putting you in touch with local agencies if you are not returning to the London area

Later on you may want advice on housing, looking for work, applying for training or getting counselling. Prisoners Abroad can refer you to the right agency.

Other sources of practical help back in the UK are:

The Salvation Army

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7367 4888
Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, or contact your local Salvation Army branch

The Prison Fellowship

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7799 2500
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Your criminal record in the UK

We will not normally pass on information about your case to a third party without your consent. However, if you’re arrested for certain serious offences, such as child sex abuse or drugs crimes, our staff must tell other relevant UK authorities. It is possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer.

Chapter 4: Additional Information

Prisoners Abroad

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned abroad. It is the only UK charity providing this service. It is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or awaiting charge or trial. Prisoners Abroad supports your health and welfare during your imprisonment. It can also provide support on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family when you are in prison. To access any services, you must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer varies from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:

• your rights as a prisoner
• issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
• getting magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
• learning the language of your country of imprisonment
• translating documents
• grants for food if you are in a developing country and do not have funds from other sources
• grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you do not have funds from other sources
• preparing for release
• help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and, in a few cases, assistance with the cost of visiting
• Freepost envelopes to help you stay in touch with others

Prisoners Abroad

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7561 6820 or 0808 172 0098
Mondays to Fridays  9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time)
89 – 93 Fonthill Road London N4 3JH UK

Glossary of terms

Link to Useful legal terms in Singapore

Link to Key legal phrases – English into Chinese

Annex

FCDO guidance: Support for British nationals abroad

FCDO guidance: Arrested abroad: advice for British nationals

List of English-speaking lawyers

Prisoners Abroad Forms

Prisoners Abroad Family Contact Form