The Straits Times
13 August 2018

Range of measures taken to tackle immigration offenders

We thank Mr Loong Chik Tong for his letter (Govt must continue to be tough on overstayers; Aug 8).

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) takes a serious view of such offences. We adopt a multi-pronged approach through deterrent laws, stringent border checks as well as inland enforcement. We regularly conduct raids (an average of more than 100 monthly) targeted at immigration offenders, harbourers and employers of immigration offenders. We collaborate closely with agencies such as the Singapore Police Force and the Ministry of Manpower in our enforcement efforts.

The public can play a part by not offering employment or shelter to immigration offenders. Home owners should exercise due diligence in checking the status of their foreign tenants, before signing or renewing their tenancy agreements. They should also check if their tenant has sublet rooms illegally. Members of the public with information on immigration offenders can report via the ICA website or call 1800-391-6150. Any information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Under the Immigration Act (Cap 133), the penalties for overstaying or illegal entry are a jail term of up to six months plus a minimum of three strokes of the cane. If anyone is found guilty of recklessly or knowingly harbouring overstayers or illegal immigrants, he may be sentenced to a jail term of between six months and two years and a fine of up to $6,000. If a person is found guilty of negligently harbouring overstayers or illegal immigrants, he may be sentenced to a jail term of up to 12 months, or a fine of up to $6,000, or both.

Patrick Ong
Head, Public & Internal Communications
Corporate Communications Division
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

<Original Letter>

The Straits Times
8 August 2018

Govt must continue to be tough on overstayers

Singapore is famed for having one of the most rigorous immigration entry and exit screening processes in the world, but no one is infallible.

The police said the suspect in the Boon Lay pawnshop robbery attempt has been an overstayer since last December (Discovery of backpack helps cops nab suspect; Aug 3). Overstayers are an inherent security threat, especially if they are unemployed, and dangerous elements are able to exploit their weaknesses.

We must not become complacent in dealing with these threats, and culprits must expect to face the full force of the law. That includes anyone involved in harbouring or employing overstayers. The Home Team is under intense pressure every day to safeguard the country, but their efforts at risk mitigation have had a positive impact on Singapore's security.

According to figures from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the number of overstayers arrested fell by 6.7 per cent to 990 last year, from 1,061 in 2016.

However, more must be done to ensure overstayers depart Singapore when their time is up.

Does ICA have enough resources to round up these overstayers?

Intelligence gathering, research and compiling accurate data on visitors to Singapore are key to fighting the terror threat.

Loong Chik Tong