A disabled foreign man selling tissues in Yishun was taken away by the police on 13 September 2024. This occurred after a concerned member of the public called the police, inadvertently leading to his removal. The man was deported on 14 September and barred from re-entering Singapore, confirmed an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) spokesperson. Missing his left arm and the lower portion of his right arm, the man had been seated next to a row of shops near Block 846, Yishun Ring Road.
Background
Shin Min Daily News reported that a reader witnessed the incident and spoke to the person who called the police. A search of the man’s belongings revealed a foreign passport. According to a nearby shop owner, the man appeared cooperative and calm when approached by the police. The shop owner, who remained unnamed, mentioned, “The man had been seated here quietly selling tissue for over a week and kept to himself.” Occasionally, kind-hearted individuals donated money directly to him, with one person even giving him a S$50 note.
Rise in number of foreigners resorting to begging in Singapore
There have been other cases involving disabled foreigners begging in Singapore. A 28-year-old man, claiming to have been disfigured in a fire as a child, was seen selling tissues along Bugis Street. He admitted knowing his actions were illegal but wanted to earn Singapore dollars to support his family in Henan province, China. Shop owners in Bugis have reported an increase in foreigners begging, especially after travel restrictions were lifted post-Covid-19 pandemic.
Foreigners may face deportation
Foreigners who beg for a living are considered “prohibited immigrants” and may face deportation. According to the ICA, deported foreigners cannot return to Singapore without seeking consent from the Controller of Immigration for subsequent entries.
Concerns about foreign beggar syndicates
Residents of Yishun have expressed concerns about “foreign beggars” in the area. One resident noted seeing several disabled individuals selling tissues near his public housing block over the past month, usually appearing around 6am and 7am on weekends. He speculated, “I wonder if any of these cases are related to criminal organisations. If it really is the case, they are taking advantage of the kindness of people here, which is very wrong.”
Related events and future implications
The incident in Yishun has sparked discussions about the presence of foreign beggar syndicates in Singapore. Some residents worry that these syndicates may be exploiting disabled individuals to solicit money. Authorities are likely to increase vigilance and enforcement to address this issue. Future implications may include stricter immigration controls and more robust measures to prevent illegal begging activities.
