Diplomatic and Consular Relations (World Bank Group Organisations) Order 2020

No. S 88

Diplomatic and Consular Relations Act

(CHAPTER 82A)

Diplomatic and Consular Relations
(World Bank Group Organisations)
Order 2020

In exercise of the powers conferred by section 6(3) of the Diplomatic and Consular Relations Act, the Minister for Foreign Affairs makes the following Order:

Citation and commencement

1.  This Order is the Diplomatic and Consular Relations (World Bank Group Organisations) Order 2020 and comes into operation on 6 February 2020.

Definitions

2.  In this Order —

“member of staff”, in relation to a World Bank Group Organisation, means any member of the staff of the World Bank Group Organisation who holds a letter of employment in accordance with the human resources policies and procedures of that Organisation and who is assigned to the Sub‑office of that Organisation;

“Office Representative” means the head of each Sub‑office appointed by the relevant World Bank Group Organisation;

“Sub-office” means the office of any World Bank Group Organisation in Singapore;

“World Bank Group Organisation” means any of the following:

(a) the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, including the International Development Association;

(b) the International Finance Corporation;

(c) the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency.

Immunities and privileges in addition to those conferred by other written laws

3.  The immunities and privileges conferred by this Order on a World Bank Group Organisation and the members of its staff are in addition to, and do not derogate from, those conferred by any other written law, including —

(a) the Bretton Woods Agreements Order (Cap. 27, O 1);

(b) the International Development Association Act (Cap. 144A);

(c) the International Finance Corporation Act (Cap. 144);

(d) the International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency) Order (Cap. 145, O 16);

(e) the Diplomatic and Consular Relations (Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency) Order 2020 (G.N. No. S 87/2020); and

(f) the International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (World Bank Group Organisations) Order 2020 (G.N. No. S 90/2020).

Immunities and privileges of staff of World Bank Group Organisations

4.—(1)  A member of the staff of a World Bank Group Organisation who is not employed at Grade GH (or its equivalent) or above in accordance with the human resources policies and procedures of the Organisation, is exempt from customs duties and goods and services tax in respect of all household goods and personal effects (excluding tobacco, liquor and vehicles) imported by that member within 6 months after he or she takes up his or her assignment as a member of the staff of the Organisation in Singapore.

(2)  A member of the staff of a World Bank Group Organisation who is employed at Grade GH (or its equivalent) or above in accordance with the human resources policies and procedures of the Organisation, is exempt from the following taxes and duties:

(a) customs duties in respect of all imports;

(b) goods and services tax in respect of all household goods and personal effects (including tobacco and liquor) imported by that member;

(c) subject to sub‑paragraph (3), all vehicle taxes and fees (including any goods and services tax, any fee for a certificate of entitlement and any registration and additional registration fee) in respect of one motor vehicle that is intended for the personal use of that member.

(3)  Where a person has enjoyed any exemption or relief under sub‑paragraph (2)(c) in respect of any motor vehicle, the person may not enjoy any exemption or relief mentioned in sub‑paragraph (2)(c) in respect of any other motor vehicle within 4 years from the date on which the person becomes the registered owner of the firstmentioned motor vehicle.

Additional or more favourable immunity or privilege of Office Representative

5.  Where a head or representative of an office of any other international organisation in Singapore is granted an immunity or privilege under any other Order made under the Act —

(a) that is more favourable than that granted to an Office Representative under paragraph 4(2); or

(b) that is one not granted to an Office Representative under paragraph 4(2),

the Office Representative is entitled to the firstmentioned immunity or privilege.

Non-application of immunities and privileges

6.  Despite anything in this Order, no immunity or privilege in this Order may be enjoyed by any person who is a citizen or permanent resident of Singapore.

Made on 5 February 2020.

CHEE WEE KIONG

Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Singapore.

[MFA C800-273/02/09; AG/LLRD/SL/82A/2010/3 Vol. 1]

(To be presented to Parliament under section 6(4) of the Diplomatic and Consular Relations Act).