Former NSW Labor MP Eddie Obeid has been ordered to hand over his passport amid fears he may try to go to Lebanon to avoid facing charges here.
Until now he had been on unconditional bail after being charged last year with misconduct in public office over Circular Quay cafe leases.
Crown prosecutor Daniel Noll told the court on Thursday there were concerns the 71-year-old would fail to appear at future court dates and that he had a large personal fortune and dual citizenship in Lebanon, where he is renovating an inherited property.
"If the accused is allowed to travel to Lebanon ... it may be that his health is such ... that he might not be able to return to Australia, and if he is in Lebanon, extradition will not be possible," Mr Noll said.
Justice David Davies noted there was no evidence Obeid had tried to abscond, but gave him seven days to surrender his passports.
"[It] does not appear to be suggested that the accused person has any intention to flee the jurisdiction," Justice Davies said.
If he chose to travel to Lebanon he would have to apply to the court again.
He was also ordered not to approach key crown witness Steve Dunn.
After hearing he had to surrender his passport, Obeid told reporters it "didn't matter".
"The judge has made his decision. I'm here to fight," he said outside court.
"This is only the first round."
Obeid's matter is listed for mention at a Sydney court on February 19.
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