Humanitarian Protection in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Singapore has no formal asylum or refugee system. Singapore is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. There is no legal framework for claiming refugee status or asylum in Singapore, and no government agency processes asylum applications.
What This Means in Practice:
- Persons entering Singapore without valid travel documents or passes are treated as illegal immigrants under the Immigration Act and are subject to removal.
- There is no Temporary Protection Visa or equivalent programme.
- UNHCR has a limited presence in Singapore and does not have a formal mandate to process refugee claims here.
Trafficking Victims — Prevention of Human Trafficking Act 2014:
- Singapore enacted the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act 2014, which criminalises all forms of trafficking in persons.
- Victims of trafficking may receive temporary shelter, medical care, and a Special Pass allowing them to remain in Singapore while investigations and prosecutions are ongoing.
- Victims are not criminalised for immigration offences committed as a direct result of being trafficked.
- The Inter-Agency Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons coordinates government response.
Ad-Hoc Humanitarian Assistance:
- In exceptional circumstances, Singapore has granted temporary stays on humanitarian grounds — but this is entirely at the Minister's discretion and there is no published policy or application process.
- UNHCR may facilitate resettlement to a third country for individuals in Singapore who are assessed as refugees, but this depends on third-country willingness to accept the person.
When does it apply?
- You are a victim of human trafficking in Singapore and need protection.
- You are in Singapore and fear returning to your home country, though Singapore has no asylum process to address this.
- You are a foreign worker who has been subjected to forced labour or exploitation that may constitute trafficking.
What to Do If You Are in Singapore Fleeing Persecution or Have Been a Victim of Human Trafficking
- If you are a trafficking victim: Contact the Singapore Police Force (999) or MOM's helpline (6438 5122). You will not be penalised for immigration offences that resulted from trafficking.
- Contact UNHCR Singapore (unhcr.org) — while they cannot grant asylum in Singapore, they may be able to facilitate resettlement to a third country.
- Reach out to NGOs: The Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME) at 6341 5535 and the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) at 6536 2692 provide assistance to vulnerable foreign workers.
- If you fear returning home, seek legal advice from a Singapore immigration lawyer about any available options, including potential third-country resettlement through UNHCR.
- Document any evidence of trafficking or exploitation — photographs, communications, contracts, and witness statements can support police investigations.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume you can claim asylum in Singapore — there is no legal framework for this. Overstaying your pass while hoping for a resolution will result in criminal penalties.
- Don't destroy your travel documents — this will not prevent removal and constitutes a separate offence under the Immigration Act.
- Don't accept promises from traffickers that your immigration status will be resolved — traffickers use immigration threats as a tool of control.
- Don't be afraid to contact the police if you are being exploited — the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act protects victims from prosecution for immigration offences linked to their trafficking.
Common Questions
Does Singapore accept asylum claims?
No. Singapore has no formal asylum or refugee system and is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. There is no legal framework for claiming refugee status here. Persons entering without valid travel documents are treated as illegal immigrants under the Immigration Act and are subject to removal.
What protection is there for Singapore trafficking victims?
Under the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act 2014, trafficking victims may receive temporary shelter, medical care, and a Special Pass to remain in Singapore while investigations and prosecutions are ongoing. Victims are not criminalised for immigration offences committed as a direct result of being trafficked. Contact the Police on 999 or MOM's helpline at 6438 5122.
Can UNHCR help me in Singapore?
UNHCR has a limited presence in Singapore and does not have a formal mandate to process refugee claims here. They may facilitate resettlement to a third country for individuals assessed as refugees, but this depends on third-country willingness. Also contact HOME (6341 5535) and MWC (6536 2692) for NGO support.
When does it apply — humanitarian protection?
You are a victim of human trafficking in Singapore and need protection.You are in Singapore and fear returning to your home country, though Singapore has no asylum process to address this.You are a foreign worker who has been subjected to forced labour or exploitation that may constitute trafficking.
What should I do if I am in Singapore and facing persecution or I believe I am a victim of human trafficking?
If you are a trafficking victim: Contact the Singapore Police Force (999) or MOM's helpline (6438 5122). You will not be penalised for immigration offences that resulted from trafficking.Contact UNHCR Singapore (unhcr.org) — while they cannot grant asylum in Singapore, they may be able to facilitate resettlement to a third country.Reach out to NGOs: The Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME) at 6341 5535 and the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) at 6536 2692 provide assistance to vulnerable foreign workers.If you fear returning home, seek legal advice from a Singapore immigration...
What should you NOT do — humanitarian protection?
Don't assume you can claim asylum in Singapore — there is no legal framework for this. Overstaying your pass while hoping for a resolution will result in criminal penalties.Don't destroy your travel documents — this will not prevent removal and constitutes a separate offence under the Immigration Act.Don't accept promises from traffickers that your immigration status will be resolved — traffickers use immigration threats as a tool of control.Don't be afraid to contact the police if you are being exploited — the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act protects victims from prosecution for immigrati...