The Straits Times

13 November 2013

 
Longer wait for replacement identity card: ICA replies

THE NRIC is an important document used for identification purposes and to facilitate transactions in Singapore for the card holder. Losing an NRIC is a serious matter as the lost card may fall into the wrong hands and be used for illegal purposes ("4-month wait for new IC" by Mr Ang Li Ming; Oct 24).

Singaporeans are required to report the loss of their NRIC and apply in person for a replacement card at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) Building within 14 days of the loss.

The applicant is given a 14-day grace period after reporting the loss to look for his NRIC.

If the NRIC is recovered within 14 days, the ICA will refund the replacement fee paid. Otherwise, the ICA will issue a new NRIC and the lost card will no longer be valid.

The replacement fee for a lost NRIC is $100 for the first time and $300 subsequently.

Mr Ang was asked to pay a replacement fee of $300 and wait for three months for his new NRIC as this was the second time he had lost his card.

The longer waiting time serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of one's NRIC.

The ICA urges all Singaporeans to take good care of their NRICs, so as to avoid being potential victims of crime should the misplaced card be misused for illegal purposes.

Vincent Ng

Head, Public & Internal Communications

Corporate Communications Division

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

<Original Letter>

The Straits Times

24 October 2013

4-month wait for new IC

I RECEIVED a letter from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to renew my identity card as I had reached the age of 30. I applied online and made an appointment to collect the card.

Before the collection date, I discovered that my old IC had gone missing.

On the day of collection, the ICA told me my online application would be void as I was unable to produce my old IC.

I was then told to return to the ICA with a passport-size photograph so it could process my IC.

When I did so, I was asked to pay $300 for my lost IC and told to wait four months before I could get my new card.

I asked the staff the reason for the long wait and was told: "Because you have lost your IC twice."

This does not make sense as I have already paid the $300 fine. Moreover, my new IC was ready for collection but became void as I could not produce my old one. Why is there a need to make a new one?

Can the relevant authorities comment on the reasons for this as well as the long wait?

Ang Li Ming