The Straits Times
02 Feb 2012

Address on NRIC
'The current system continues to be relevant.'

MR KOH WEE SING, Head, Public and Internal Communications, Corporate Communications Division, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority: 'The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has previously considered suggestions to remove the address field from the national registration identity card (NRIC), but has since decided to retain the field ('Identity cards' by Mr Stephen Tan; Jan 14). The current system of reflecting the NRIC holder's address continues to be relevant. First, the information is used as a verification tool and reference information by many government agencies and key institutions for bona fide purposes. Next, the information enables the relevant authorities to extend timely assistance to NRIC holders, particularly the elderly and illiterate. More importantly, omitting the address reduces the impetus for NRIC holders to update any change of residence and leads to unintended consequences, such as the inability to contact individuals or their families in an emergency. Nonetheless, Mr Tan's concerns are valid. The NRIC contains personal information which should be safeguarded and updated. ICA has consistently reminded NRIC holders to take reasonable measures to keep their NRICs properly, and not allow them to be used for unauthorised purposes.'


<Original Letter>

The Straits Times
14 Jan 2012

Identity cards
'If our postal addresses are not viewable, our privacy will be protected.'

MR STEPHEN TAN: 'I sympathise with Ms Ling Yoon ('Innocent victim of loan sharks'; Forum Online, Thursday). Has the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) evaluated the option of omitting the residential address from all identity cards? Besides loan sharks, no business entity insists that the address listed on one's identity card must be used as the address for correspondence. If our postal addresses are not viewable, our privacy will be protected.'