Discussing details of specific cases inappropriate, says ICA

ST Online
31 Aug 2009

I REFER to the Forum Online letter by Mr Khaleelurrahman, 'ICA should be more flexible in helping couples prepare for a family' (Aug 22).

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) does not consider it appropriate to discuss details of individual cases via the media. Each case is assessed based on its own merits.

Chia Hui Keng (Ms)

Head, Public and Internal Communications Branch

Corporate Communications Division

Immigration and Checkpoints Authority



ICA should be more flexible in helping couples prepare for a family

ST Online

22 Aug 2009

I AM a Singapore citizen and my wife is a permanent resident. My wife is pregnant with our second child and she almost had a miscarriage. I have my parents-in-law here to help look after my wife as a doctor advised us she still has a high risk of miscarriage and needs complete rest.

I applied for a long-term pass for my in-laws but my application was rejected and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) asked me to find an alternative to look after my wife and child, after I gave all the details of my family members.

I am at a loss after reading the response. The Government encourages Singaporeans to have more children and has agreed to help those who need it. I am just asking for a long-term pass for my in-laws so my wife can be taken care of and deliver our baby.

My in-laws are capable of taking care of my wife and child. After considering my finances, I can afford to bring them here. I can support them but I cannot afford a maid.

If I look for alternatives, it will involve hassle and money. Why should one waste money unnecessarily during this economic downturn?

My wife and I want to have children but these problems make us think twice.

Khaleelurrahman