The Straits Times

12 September 2014

 

ICA studying feasibility of another IC re-registration exercise

 

WE THANK Ms Ada Chan Siew Foen for her feedback ("Start nationwide exercise to replace old ICs"; Forum Online, Sept 2).

 

Currently, Singapore citizens and permanent residents are required to register for an NRIC at the age of 15, and re-register at the age of 30. During re-registration, applicants will provide an updated photograph and other changes in details (for example, residential address).

 

NRIC holders can apply for a replacement NRIC at any time, if they wish to update their particulars or feel their photo no longer reflects their appearance accurately.

 

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is currently studying the viability of introducing another NRIC re-registration after the age of 30, so that the information captured will be up to date. This is especially relevant as our citizens are enjoying longer life expectancies.

 

The ICA has also been endeavouring to enhance its products to ensure they are durable and in-built with the latest security features. The current NRIC is made of polycarbonate material and has been subjected to stringent tests for durability. Laser engraving technology has also been employed for the production of the NRIC since 1991. Once the data is engraved by laser into the polycarbonate material, it cannot be edited and can still be read over time.

We assure the public that we regularly review and enhance our products, where practical.

 

Vincent Ng

Head, Public & Internal Communications

Corporate Communications Division

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

 

<Original Letter>

 

 

  

 

 

Straits Time Online

2 September 2014

 

Start nationwide exercise to replace old ICs

 

WHY is it important for Singaporeans to replace their old identity cards, especially those issued in the early 1990s ("$60 fee discouraging replacement of old IC" by Mr Seah Jin Wah; Aug 22)?

 

The earlier batches of ICs made of polycarbonate material were issued before 1995 and carried the old four-digit postal codes. Such information needs to be updated.

 

I have come across ICs on which updated addresses were handwritten and attached with tape. This looks unsightly and raises concerns about tampering.

 

Also, citizens should update their ICs with their most recent photographs, for security reasons.

 

As Singapore approaches its 50th birthday, I hope the authorities can consider waiving or reducing the replacement fee for old ICs, especially those issued before 1995, in a one-time nationwide exercise.

 

Ada Chan Siew Foen (Ms)