Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan’s Written Reply to Parliamentary Question, 2 August 2021

QUESTION

Mr Leon Perera: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) how many Singaporean citizens are currently registered to be still within Myanmar; and (b) whether there will be further relief flights scheduled for August 2021.

REPLY

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: There are currently around 240 Singaporeans in Myanmar who have registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The Singapore Embassy in Yangon has been providing regular consular advice and updates on the situation in Myanmar to them. Presently, there are three relief flights a week from Yangon to Singapore which are operated by Singapore Airlines and Myanmar National Airlines. Singaporeans can book the flights directly with the airlines to return home.

MFA cannot guarantee that these relief flights will continue on a regular basis throughout August and beyond. In such scenario, we may also not be granted permission to conduct repatriation flights. Consequently, MFA has advised Singaporeans currently in Myanmar to consider leaving as soon as they can via commercially operated flights. The situation in Myanmar remains volatile, compounded by the recent surge in the number of COVID-19 cases which has placed tremendous stress on the public health system in Myanmar. Singaporeans who choose to remain in Myanmar must consider the risks to their health and personal safety. If they have not yet e-registered with MFA, they are strongly advised to do so immediately. 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

2 AUGUST 2021