Shorter Passport Validity Enhances Security And Integrity

MyPaper
25 March 2009

We would like to thank Mr Goh Kian Huat for his letter "Extend passport validity period" (MyPaper) on 11 March 2009.

2     As the passport issuing authority of Singapore, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is committed to uphold the integrity and security of our passports. The Singapore biometric passport complies with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

3     In a move to enhance passport integrity and security, the validity period of Singapore passports was reduced to 5 years since 1 April 2005 . Passports with shorter validity allow for new technologies to be incorporated more rapidly, thus deterring passport forgery and abuse. It also ensures that the passports held by Singaporeans are protected by up-to-date security features. Holding a passport that is trusted internationally as a secure travel document will enable Singaporeans to continue to travel with convenience.

4     Mr Goh also raised the suggestion of using colour photographs for the passports. We wish to explain why this is not feasible. In the current Singapore biometric passport, the digital image of the passport holder is laser-engraved onto the data page. The utilisation of laser-engraving technology for personalization of passport photos is a mature process which is also used in Identity Cards. It has shown to be more secure and tamper resistant. The latest laser engraving technology that meets international standards is currently only available in black and white. A black and white photograph also shows the holder's facial features more clearly and sharply, critical for ease of identification and matching. This adds to the convenience of use especially when travelling abroad.

Yours sincerely,

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

Extend passport validity period

MyPaper
11 March 2009 
 
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