Statute Details
- Title: Visiting Forces (Designation — France) Order 2003
- Full Title: N/A
- Act Code: VFA1960-S256-2003
- Type: sl
- Commencement Date: 19 May 2003
- Parts: N/A
- Key Sections: N/A
- Related Legislation: Visiting Forces Act, Timeline Authorising Act
What Is This Legislation About?
The Visiting Forces (Designation — France) Order 2003 is a piece of subsidiary legislation enacted under the Visiting Forces Act of Singapore. Its purpose is to designate France as a country whose visiting forces are subject to the provisions of the Visiting Forces Act, with certain limitations, adaptations, or modifications as agreed between the governments of Singapore and France.
The Visiting Forces Act provides a legal framework for the presence and activities of foreign military forces in Singapore, including provisions related to the jurisdiction, discipline, and administration of such forces. By designating France under this Order, the Act's key provisions are made applicable to French military personnel and units visiting or stationed in Singapore.
What Are the Key Provisions?
The Visiting Forces (Designation — France) Order 2003 contains two main provisions:
1. Citation and Commencement (Section 1)
This section states that the Order may be cited as the "Visiting Forces (Designation — France) Order 2003" and shall be deemed to have come into operation on 19 May 2003.
2. Designated Country (Section 2)
This section designates the French Republic as a country for the purposes of sections 4, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 14 of the Visiting Forces Act. However, this designation is subject to any limitations, adaptations, or modifications provided by any agreement or arrangement in force between the governments of Singapore and France.
The key sections of the Visiting Forces Act that are made applicable to France through this designation are:
- Section 4: Jurisdiction over offences
- Section 7: Arrest and custody of offenders
- Section 9: Attachment of personnel
- Section 11: Attachment of vehicles, vessels, and aircraft
- Section 13: Attachment of equipment and stores
- Section 14: Attachment of money and other property
By designating France under this Order, the Singapore government has effectively extended the application of these provisions of the Visiting Forces Act to the French military forces present in Singapore, subject to any specific agreements or arrangements between the two countries.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
The Visiting Forces (Designation — France) Order 2003 is a short, two-section piece of subsidiary legislation. The first section deals with the citation and commencement of the Order, while the second section contains the key provision designating France as a country subject to the Visiting Forces Act.
The Order does not contain any further details or elaboration on the application of the Visiting Forces Act to French forces. Instead, it relies on the parent Visiting Forces Act to provide the substantive legal framework and requirements.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
The Visiting Forces (Designation — France) Order 2003 applies to the French military forces and personnel present in Singapore. By designating France under this Order, the Singapore government has made the relevant provisions of the Visiting Forces Act applicable to the French visiting forces.
The scope of application is limited to the specific sections of the Act mentioned in Section 2 of the Order. French forces in Singapore would be subject to the jurisdiction, discipline, and administrative requirements outlined in those sections, as well as any additional limitations or modifications agreed between the two governments.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
The Visiting Forces (Designation — France) Order 2003 is an important piece of legislation that facilitates the presence and activities of French military forces in Singapore. By designating France under the Visiting Forces Act, the Order ensures that there is a clear legal framework governing the status, rights, and obligations of French personnel and assets in the country.
This designation is crucial for maintaining good relations and effective cooperation between the armed forces of Singapore and France. It provides legal certainty and clarity on issues such as jurisdiction over offences, custody of personnel, and the attachment of vehicles, equipment, and property. Without such an Order, the presence of French forces in Singapore would lack a defined legal basis and could lead to potential conflicts or misunderstandings.
From a practical perspective, the Order also enables the smooth functioning of joint military exercises, training, and other collaborative activities between the Singapore and French armed forces. By ensuring that the relevant legal provisions are in place, the Order facilitates the seamless integration and operation of French forces within the Singaporean military framework.
Related Legislation
- Visiting Forces Act (Chapter 344)
- Timeline Authorising Act
Source Documents
This article provides an overview of the Visiting Forces (Designation — France) Order 2003 for legal research and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult the official text for authoritative provisions.