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11 Immigration Offenders Arrested in Joint ICA-MOM Operation

            On 10 March 2026, officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) conducted a joint enforcement operation at various locations in Singapore targeting food and beverage establishments suspected of employing immigration offenders. A total of 11 immigration offenders were arrested during the joint operation. 

2.        All 11 immigration offenders are male Nepalese nationals, aged between 21 and 43 years old. They had overstayed in Singapore after the expiry of their visit passes. Two male Singaporeans who had allegedly employed two of the 11 immigration offenders are under investigation by ICA. Further investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals who may have harboured or employed these immigration offenders.  

3.        Besides the 11 immigration offenders, two work permit holders and one S Pass holder are also under investigation by MOM for possible employment offences.  

ICA’s advisory 

4.        Overstaying is a serious offence with severe penalties. Offenders can receive a jail term of up to six months, and a minimum of three strokes of the cane or a fine of up to $6,000. Immigration offenders are also deported and barred from re-entering Singapore after sentencing and/or payment of fines. 

5.        ICA takes a firm stance against any person who employs or harbours immigration offenders. A person found guilty of employing overstayers and/or illegal immigrants may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than six months and up to two years and a fine of up to S$6,000. 

6.        A person found guilty of recklessly or knowingly harbouring overstayers and/or illegal immigrants may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than six months and up to two years and a fine of up to S$6,000. A person found guilty of negligently harbouring overstayers and/or illegal immigrants may be sentenced to a fine of up to S$6,000 or to imprisonment for a term of up to 12 months, or to both.

7.        Members of public should report suspected cases of immigration offenders to ICA at https://go.gov.sg/icafeedbackio.

MOM’s advisory 

8.        Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, employers who hire foreign employees without valid work passes may face a fine of up to $30,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both, per charge. They may also be barred from employing foreigners.

9.        Foreigners who undertake employment without a valid work pass may be liable to a fine of up to $20,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, or to both. Upon conviction, they will be barred from working in Singapore.

10.      Members of public who are aware of suspicious employment activities, or who know of persons or employers who have contravened the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, should report the matter to MOM’s eService “Report an infringement”. 

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
MINISTRY OF MANPOWER
16 MARCH 2026


Annex


Five immigration offenders arrested during the joint operation on 10 March 2026. 
Credit: ICA

Two immigration offenders arrested during the joint operation on 10 March 2026.
Credit: ICA