High-tech features add to passport cost

MyPaper

7 April 2009 


I REFER to the letter, “Cut cost of new passports” (my paper, March 31).

As with most other public services, the passport fee is determined based on a cost-recovery model.
 
The cost of producing a passport cannot be linked simply to frequency or duration of use.

It would also not be equitable to charge a lower fee for less frequent travellers as that would place a heavier burden on others.

The Singapore biometric passport is a more secure travel document and is fully compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization requirements for cross-border travel.

The cost and, hence, the fee for a biometric passport, is higher than that of a non-biometric passport as it comes with added features to ensure its integrity and sturdiness.

The shorter validity period for the biometric passport allows for new technologies to be incorporated more rapidly, thus deterring passport forgery and abuse.

This way, we can ensure that the passports held by Singaporeans are protected by up-to-date security features.

We hope that the above information clarifies any doubts that passport applicants may have with regard to the cost of the biometric passport.

Ms Chia Hui Keng
Head
Public and internal communications branch
Corporate communications division
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

CUT COST OF NEW PASSPORTS

Mypaper

7 April 09

I REFER to the reply from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), “Reasons for five-year passport validity” (my paper, March 25).

I agree that for reasons of enhancing passport integrity and security, the validity period for passports should be reduced.

However, the cost of a passport has not been reduced.

With the economic downturn, fewer people are travelling.

Five years also goes by very quickly.

Therefore, I hope the ICA could consider reducing the cost of new passports.

Mr Nicholas Tay