Our History


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The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) began operating on 1 April 2003 with the merging of Singapore Immigration & Registration (SIR) and the checkpoint operations of the Customs & Excise Department (CED). To meet emerging security challenges, part of CED joined SIR to form ICA. 

SIR was formed earlier on 1 April 1998 when Singapore Immigration (SI) and the National Registration Department (NRD) merged. ICA is thus made up of three departments - SI, CED and NRD. 

Each has a vibrant past interwoven with Singapore's historical growth  stretching back to the early 19th century when Singapore was a Straits Settlement under the British. Learn more about the departments - their activities,  achievements and milestone events - and discover their significance in shaping Singapore into what it is today