Seizure of moneys for purposes of repatriation, etc.
47A.—(1) A prohibited immigrant is liable to pay to the Government a sum sufficient to cover all expenses incurred by the Government in connection with the detention, maintenance, medical treatment and removal from Singapore of himself or herself and his or her dependants.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Controller may order a prohibited immigrant to be searched and that all moneys found on him or her when so searched be seized and used by the Controller to meet the expenses which have been incurred or may be incurred by the Government under that subsection.
(3) Where any sum seized under subsection (2) is in excess of the total amount of expenses for which the prohibited immigrant is liable under subsection (1), the balance of the moneys must be returned to him or her.
(4) The Controller may seize moneys under subsection (2) even though the prohibited immigrant has not been charged with nor convicted of an offence.
(5) Any person who claims to be the legal owner of any moneys seized under subsection (2) (other than the prohibited immigrant from whom the moneys were seized) may, within 6 years from the date of seizure, apply to the Controller in such form and manner as may be prescribed for the moneys seized to be returned to him or her.
(6) Despite the provisions of any written law, the moneys seized under subsection (2) (except any excess moneys which have been returned to the prohibited immigrant under subsection (3)) shall not be liable to be garnished, attached, sequestered or levied upon for or in respect of any debt or claim, other than to meet the expenses referred to in subsection (1) or any claim made under subsection (5).