Every month, approximately 2,500 travelers are denied entry into Singapore at its air, sea, and land checkpoints, according to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). As reported by the CNA, these travelers must return to their last port of departure on the next available flight or ferry, or, in the case of land checkpoints, are sent back to Malaysia.
The ICA coordinates with airlines and ship operators to facilitate the swift return of individuals who are refused entry but why are travelers turned away?
Reasons for refusal vary but they can include things like having forged or tampered travel documents, travel documents mismatched with identity records and any individuals who are on the authorities’ watchlist. Some tourists are also turned away if they are deemed to have dubious intentions to enter Singapore.
The ICA explained that these assessments begin before travelers arrive. Using advanced passenger information, such as flight manifests and data from the SG Arrival Card, officials screen travelers for potential risks. Upon arrival, all passengers, including those using automated clearance lanes, are checked against a watchlist and flagged for further scrutiny if necessary.
The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Sun Xueling, noted during a parliamentary session that the percentage of travellers refused entry has increased with the implementation of new automated clearance processes. These systems enhance Singapore’s border security by identifying and stopping individuals more efficiently.
The issue of border security was spotlighted recently in Parliament, following the illegal entry of Bangladeshi extremist preacher Amir Hamza. Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam emphasised the importance of robust border controls, revealing the sheer volume of travelers screened each month and the challenges in keeping unwanted individuals out.
Minister Shanmugam also highlighted that Singapore’s visa system is not “foolproof” in keeping out individuals with malicious intent. Similarly, Ms. Sun addressed concerns about an uptick in housebreaking cases linked to foreign syndicates involving Chinese nationals, following the introduction of a visa exemption arrangement with China earlier this year.
Singapore’s border security measures demonstrate the delicate balance between efficiency and vigilance, ensuring the safety of its residents while managing an enormous volume of international arrivals daily.
Photo by Marcus Mark Ramos
