Singapore and France have signed a new extradition agreement to send fugitives back to each other for serious crimes punishable by at least two years in jail.
KEY POINTS
IN SIMPLE TERMS
Singapore and France have made a deal that lets them send criminals who flee to the other country back home to face justice. Only serious crimes that carry at least two years in prison qualify. The agreement will start working once both countries complete their own legal steps.
WHY IT MATTERS
WHERE DO YOU STAND?
Do you think this extradition agreement will help make Singapore and France safer from cross-border crime?
👍 👎 Vote ↓A new agreement between Singapore and France changes how the two countries handle the return of criminals for certain crimes.
On 30 May 2025, Singapore and France signed an important new agreement.
This deal is known as the Extradition Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Singapore and the Government of the French Republic.
The extradition agreement sets up a clear framework between Singapore and France.
It covers how both countries handle the surrender of fugitives for certain criminal offences.
According to the Ministry of Law, “The Government of Singapore and the Government of the French Republic have signed an Agreement on Extradition (the ‘Agreement’) today.”
The agreement was signed by Mr Edwin Tong SC, who is Singapore’s Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs.
France was represented by Mr Jean-Noël Barrot, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
This new treaty only covers certain criminal offences.
To be eligible for extradition under this agreement, the offence must be punishable under the laws of both countries by at least two years in jail.
The act in question must be a crime both in Singapore and in France, and extradition for that act must be legal under both countries’ laws.
This means minor crimes are not included, and only more serious criminal offenders can be sent back under this agreement.
As quoted in the Ministry of Law statement, “The Agreement covers offences which are punishable under the laws of both countries by deprivation of liberty for at least two years, and for which extradition can be granted under the laws of both countries.”
This agreement uses Singapore’s Extradition Act 1968 as a reference for what crimes can be covered and sets clear rules for what is possible.
The extradition agreement does not start right away.
Both countries must finish their own legal processes and tell each other in writing when they are ready.
The agreement will take effect on the first day of the second month after this notification.
This ensures that both sides are fully prepared for the treaty to become active by taking the necessary steps in their legal systems.
As quoted in the Ministry of Law, “The notification must state that they have completed their respective domestic requirements … to bring the Agreement into force.”
Soon, fugitives fleeing from either Singapore or France will face stronger chances of being sent back to answer for their crimes once these domestic steps are done.
Singapore already has extradition treaties with several other countries and regions, but entering such a bilateral extradition agreement with France is a sign of tighter legal cooperation.
The move makes it harder for wanted persons to hide overseas and helps both nations handle serious criminals more effectively.
Other countries with extradition treaties with Singapore include the United Kingdom, the United States, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and several Commonwealth nations.
The Extradition Act 1968 is Singapore’s main law for handling fugitive surrender to or from other countries.
Requests are checked according to law, with clear requirements for proof and the nature of the crime.
If the requirements are met, the person can be arrested and returned to the requesting country for trial or punishment.
This means Singapore works closely with countries like France to ensure extradition framework processes are fair and effective.
Extradition agreements, such as the new one with France, show the country’s focus on fighting serious crimes across borders and making sure no one can easily run from the law.
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