ST Forum
5 April 2008
Straits Times
(c) 2008 Singapore Press Holdings Limited

[by]Ong-Kong Yong Sin (Mrs) Senior Public & Internal Communications Executive for Commissioner, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority[/by]

I REFER to Mr Shaheedu Pakri's letter, 'Act on foreign sex workers' (March 18).

Singapore welcomes all visitors as long as they meet our prevailing immigration requirements, which include holding a passport valid for at least six months, entry visa (if applicable), confirmed return/onward ticket, sufficient funds for the period of stay in Singapore and entry facilities.
The granting of social visit passes to visitors will be determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the Singapore checkpoints.

Foreigners may be refused entry into the country if they are not able to meet the necessary immigration requirements. Foreigners may also be subject to further checks and interviews, to establish their purpose of entry.

Most foreigners do not abuse the immigration facilities issued to them by getting involved in undesirable activities, such as vice. For those who do, ICA takes a serious view and will act appropriately against them.

Act on foreign sex workers

ST Forum
18 March 2008
Straits Times
(c) 2008 Singapore Press Holdings Limited

IN RESPONSE to reports of more foreign women here illegally as sex workers, it is time the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) reviewed entry requirements for foreigners entering Singapore, especially from countries whose nationals are prone to commit crimes or work illegally.

The law should be stricter for those who arrive here singly or are repeat visitors.
Why is it that, with strict manning of checkpoints by ICA officers, we are inundated with crimes by foreigners?

Shaheedu Pakri