S'poreans have many options at entry points

The Strait Times
2 April 2010

I THANK Mr Tom Wang for Monday's letter, 'Most countries have more than a single lane for returning citizens'.

As an international hub, Changi Airport sees millions of travellers from all over the world annually. The expeditious clearance of all travellers has helped Changi retain its status as one of the best airports in the world.

While some airports may have separate lanes or zones for clearance of their nationals and foreigners only, Singaporeans enjoy the distinct advantage of having access to not only manual counters that serve them alone but also other lanes marked 'All Passports'.

In addition, most Singaporeans whose fingerprints have been registered with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) can make use of the many automated clearance lanes available at all our checkpoints without the need for pre-enrolment.

A small group of Singaporeans who are not able to use the automated clearance, like families with very young children, can use the manual counters.

ICA is committed to service excellence without compromising on security. As Singapore's ambassadors at a world-class airport, ICA officers are conscious about projecting an efficient and professional image while upholding the security of our borders.

Chia Hui Keng (Ms)
Head, Public & Internal Communications Branch
Corporate Communications Division
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority


Checkpoint query
'Most countries have more than a single lane for its returning citizens.'

The Straits Times
29 Mar 2010

MR TOM WANG: 'I refer to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority's (ICA) reply last Wednesday, 'Airport clearance: Singaporeans can use all manned counters'. The letter stated that although there is only a single lane for citizens, Singaporeans can still use the other counters designated for all passports. If that were so, why is there a need for a lane for citizens in the first place? Clearly, the lane for Singaporeans is meant for citizens who do not wish to queue behind the slower 'All passports' lanes. Most countries have more than a single lane for its returning citizens and I cannot fathom why this isn't so at Changi.'