Statute Details
- Title: Visiting Forces (Designation — U.S.A.) Order
- Full Title: N/A
- Act Code: VFA1960-OR6
- Type: sl
- Commencement Date: N/A
- Parts: N/A
- Key Sections: 1, 2
- Related Legislation: Visiting Forces Act
What Is This Legislation About?
The Visiting Forces (Designation — U.S.A.) Order is a piece of subsidiary legislation enacted under the Visiting Forces Act of Singapore. Its purpose is to designate the United States of America as a country whose visiting forces are subject to the provisions of the Visiting Forces Act, with certain limitations and modifications provided by agreements between the governments of Singapore and the U.S.
The Visiting Forces Act establishes a legal framework for the presence and activities of foreign military forces in Singapore. By designating the U.S. under this Order, the Act's provisions are made applicable to American military personnel and assets present in Singapore, subject to any bilateral agreements that may modify or adapt those provisions.
What Are the Key Provisions?
The Visiting Forces (Designation — U.S.A.) Order contains two main provisions:
Citation (Section 1): This section simply states that the legislation may be cited as the "Visiting Forces (Designation) Order".
U.S.A. Designated for Purposes of Act (Section 2): This is the core provision of the Order. It states that the United States of America is hereby designated for the purposes of Sections 4, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 14 of the Visiting Forces Act. This means that those sections of the Act, which deal with matters like jurisdiction over offenses, claims, and entry/exit procedures, now apply to U.S. military forces present in Singapore.
However, Section 2 also notes that this designation is "subject to such limitations, adaptations or modifications provided by any agreement or arrangement for the time being in force, being an agreement or arrangement by or on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Singapore and the Government of the United States of America." This indicates that the application of the Visiting Forces Act to U.S. forces can be modified through bilateral agreements between the two governments.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
The Visiting Forces (Designation — U.S.A.) Order is a short, two-section piece of subsidiary legislation. The first section simply provides the citation, while the second section contains the core provision designating the U.S. under the Visiting Forces Act.
There are no further subdivisions or parts within the Order itself. It operates as a self-contained legal instrument that supplements the parent Visiting Forces Act.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
The Visiting Forces (Designation — U.S.A.) Order applies to the United States military forces present in Singapore. By designating the U.S. under this Order, the provisions of the Visiting Forces Act are made applicable to American personnel, equipment, and activities in the country.
The scope of application is limited to the specific sections of the Act referenced in Section 2 of the Order (Sections 4, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 14). The full breadth of the Act's provisions does not automatically apply to U.S. forces, and can be further modified through bilateral agreements between Singapore and the U.S.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
The Visiting Forces (Designation — U.S.A.) Order is an important piece of legislation that governs the legal status and activities of American military forces in Singapore. It provides a clear legal framework for their presence and operations, ensuring that key issues like jurisdiction, claims, and entry/exit procedures are addressed.
By designating the U.S. under this Order, Singapore is able to apply relevant sections of the Visiting Forces Act to American personnel and assets. This helps to maintain order and clarity around the presence of foreign military forces, which is crucial for national security and defense cooperation.
The ability to modify the application of the Act through bilateral agreements also allows Singapore and the U.S. to tailor the legal regime to their specific needs and circumstances. This flexibility is important for managing the complex relationship between visiting forces and the host country.
Ultimately, the Visiting Forces (Designation — U.S.A.) Order is a vital piece of legislation that supports Singapore's defense and security interests by providing a robust legal foundation for the presence of U.S. military forces in the country.
Related Legislation
- Visiting Forces Act (Chapter 344)
Source Documents
This article provides an overview of the Visiting Forces (Designation — U.S.A.) Order for legal research and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult the official text for authoritative provisions.