There has been no increase in the number or percentage of short-term visitors from China arrested in Singapore since the mutual visa exemption arrangements were implemented in February this year. However, the percentage of travellers who are refused entry into Singapore has increased following the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)’s New Clearance Concept involving automated clearance. Sun Xueling, Minister of State for Ministry of Home Affairs, addressed these points in response to questions posed by Non-constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) Leong Mun Wai during the parliamentary sitting on 9 September 2024. These questions were prompted by a recent series of burglaries at Holland Road, allegedly linked to foreign syndicates involving Chinese nationals. The Singapore Police Force previously announced the arrest of three Chinese nationals, with another 14 individuals of interest overseas.
## Background
Sun Xueling clarified that even considering the 14 Chinese nationals mentioned earlier, the percentage of Chinese visitors arrested in Singapore remains lower than the corresponding percentage last year. This statement was made to address concerns following a spate of burglaries that have raised questions about the effectiveness of the visa exemption arrangement with China.
## Visa regime not foolproof
Sun emphasised that a visa regime is not foolproof in keeping unwanted individuals away. While it screens individuals before they travel to Singapore and rejects those with concerning antecedents, it cannot entirely eliminate undesirable visitors or prevent them from committing crimes in Singapore.
## Closing borders will destroy economy
Sun argued that closing borders entirely would prevent foreigners from committing crimes but would also “destroy Singapore’s economy”. She highlighted that foreigners bring tourism revenue and employment opportunities. For instance, the tourism sector contributed S$27.2 billion in tourism receipts in 2023 and employed more than 71,000 workers as of December 2023. The sector also contributed an average of 3 per cent of Singapore’s GDP over the last decade, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic years from 2020 to 2022. Tourism also plays a crucial role in reinforcing Singapore’s status as a “vibrant global city that is a magnet for capital, businesses and talent”.
## Tighter screening of travellers
Sun noted that ICA has enhanced its risk-based, multi-layered approach to assessing foreign travellers. The New Clearance Concept, which includes automated immigration clearance, has increased the percentage of travellers who are refused entry into Singapore. This is because checks now begin further upstream, and technology is leveraged more extensively.
## How screening is carried out
Sun explained that pre-arrival, the ICA uses advance passenger information, flight manifests, and data from the SG Arrival Card to perform risk assessments through its Integrated Targeting Centre. Upon arrival, all travellers, including those at automated lanes, are screened against a watchlist of persons of interest and flagged individuals. Higher-risk individuals undergo more stringent checks. Repeat travellers, including those who have committed crimes in Singapore, are flagged by the biometric database if they attempt to enter under a different identity, as their biometrics from previous visits are captured. Increased automation allows more ICA officers to focus on profiling travellers at automated lanes, complementing backend risk assessments. Those displaying suspicious behaviour are subjected to further questioning.
## Visa exemption with China a “carefully assessed and weighed decision”
The mutual visa exemption with China was a “carefully assessed and weighed decision” that considered manageable security, criminal, and immigration risks while recognising significant economic and bilateral benefits. Sun emphasised that maintaining this arrangement with China is in Singapore’s interests.
## Laws reviewed to take into account evolving nature of crimes
Leong responded to Sun’s reply, clarifying that he was not advocating for a “closed Singapore” and understands the benefits of an open society and economy. However, he pointed out that as the number of foreigners and visitors increases, additional measures may be needed to ensure Singapore’s security. He asked whether the government is considering tougher penalties for cross-border criminal activities. Sun said that transnational crimes include human trafficking, drug trafficking, and online scams. While burglary is not typically classified as a transnational crime, she noted that recent burglaries linked to foreign syndicates are of concern. She explained that the government has been revising the Criminal Penal Code (CPC) to address various offences over the years. Sun emphasised that laws must be continuously monitored and reviewed, given the evolving nature of crime.
