The Straits Times Online
24 November 2016

Nationality of PRs indicated on ICs

We thank Mr Soh Gim Chuan for his suggestion ("Colour distinction for ICs not always helpful"; Forum Online, Nov 22).

There are two ways in which the identity cards of Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs) can be distinguished.

Besides colour, whereby ICs for Singapore Citizens are pink while those for PRs are blue, only PRs will have their nationality reflected on the reverse side of their ICs.

Serene Wong

Head, Public & Internal Communications

Corporate Communications Division
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

<Original letter>

The Straits Times Online
22 November 2016

Colour distinction for ICs not always helpful

In renewing identity cards, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority should take the opportunity to make an additional change in identity cards ("NRIC re-registration for S'poreans, PRs turning 55"; Nov 15).

Currently, the only way to tell the difference between citizens and permanent residents is by the colour of the identity card - red for Singaporeans and blue for PRs.

However, this distinction does not show up for those who need to submit black-and-white photocopies of their ICs. Not everyone has access to colour copiers.

Some other way of distinguishing ICs of Singaporeans from those of PRs needs to be considered.

Soh Gim Chuan