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Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/passport-less-clearance-to-be-rolled-out-at-all-checkpoints-from-2024 SINGAPORE – Singapore residents and visitors leaving the Republic will be able to clear checkpoints without having to use their passports from 2024. Instead, they can clear immigration via QR code at land checkpoints if travelling by car, or the new contactless Automated Border Control System (ABCS) at passenger halls. During its workplan seminar at the Singapore Expo on Friday, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said the manual counters at all passenger halls at checkpoints will be progressively replaced by about 800 automated lanes using ABCS from the first quarter of 2024. The ABCS lanes will use biometrics for clearance, and are part of the ICA’s new clearance concept (NCC), which was announced in 2019. The NCC transformation plan aims to provide faster and more secure immigration and Customs clearance. The system was trialled at Tuas Checkpoint and Changi Airport Terminal 4 in 2019. For those travelling by car, ICA said it trialled the Automated Passenger In-Car Clearance System (Apics) in 2022, with about 94 per cent of travellers able to use the system without assistance from officers. ICA will be working with the Home Team Science and Technology Agency to further improve Apics before rolling it out in phases at the land checkpoints. The first phase, expected in early 2024, will introduce QR code scanning in lieu of passport scanning at land checkpoints. Those travelling by car can create a profile and generate a QR code via the MyICA mobile app, allowing them to scan the code at the manual immigration counters, where ICA officers will conduct facial image checks on the travellers using the QR code data. The same QR code can be used for future trips if the traveller’s passport details do not need to be updated. From 2026, Apics lanes will be introduced at Tuas Checkpoint, allowing travellers to scan their generated QR codes and present their biometrics for identity verification, removing the need for officers to be stationed at every car lane. Apics lanes are expected to be introduced at the redeveloped Woodlands Checkpoint from 2028. The event on Friday also saw ICA celebrating its 20th anniversary. The authority was formed in 2003 from a merger of Singapore Immigration and Registration and the checkpoint operations of the Customs and Excise Department. The seminar’s theme was “Remembering Our Past, Securing Our Future”. Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam, guest of honour at the event, said the checkpoints are expected to get busier, with more challenges for the ICA. “Terrorism threats remain very real, we never know when the next pandemic may strike, and there is a limit to how much manpower we can call on, given that Singapore has an ageing population,” he said. “And really, the answer to all of these is further transformation.” He is confident the ICA will be able to step up to tackle these challenges. “ICA’s development over the years has been possible only because ICA has been, and remains, agile, clear-sighted, bold, and at its core, has officers who are continually being developed with the ultimate commitment to serve our citizens wholeheartedly,” he said. “I think we all can be confident that ICA will continue to deliver on its mission as a world-class border and immigration agency, and I look forward – we all look forward – to the continued transformation.” Other aspects of the NCC featured during the seminar on Friday included the Automated Clearance Initiative, which was implemented in May 2022. ICA said more than four million foreign visitors from 51 jurisdictions have enrolled in the initiative and cleared immigration using automated lanes, with their biometric details. During Budget 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs said it will be spending more than $1 billion on development projects this year, including the ABCS. Special assistance lanes, which were introduced at some passenger halls in Changi Airport last December and allow multiple travellers to perform immigration self-clearance as a group, will be extended to other checkpoints from end-2023. For cargo, ICA said it cleared more than 9.7 million containers, consignments and parcels in 2022, with the volume expected to increase in the coming years. To help officers better detect potential threats, ICA is trialling the use of artificial intelligence to track anomalies in the scanned images of cargo, parcels and baggage. Another transformation plan featured at the seminar is ICA’s Services Centre Next Generation (SCNG), which aims to provide a “No Fuss; No Visit; No Waiting” experience. As part of SCNG, all of ICA’s core application services, such as birth and death registration and passport renewal, are available online as at end-2022. A new ICA Services Centre, which will be located next to the existing ICA Building in Kallang, is expected to begin operations in 2024 as a one-stop centre for all of ICA’s services. The centre will also allow self-collection of identity cards and passports. ICA said: “Over the past 20 years, ICA has continually adapted and innovated to be able to secure our borders even in the face of rising traveller and cargo volumes, and while facilitating these movements. “ICA will press on with our journey to transform border clearance and immigration and registration services, to bring about a fundamental, positive change in how ICA interacts with the public at all our touchpoints.”

https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2023/10/ica-contraband-smuggling/index.html?shell Very interactive article. Have a read.

Photo Source: Facebook comment It is 4am now and the comment section on ICA's page is still blowing up. No news from any news media yet, no further update from ICA on Facebook.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/birth-death-certificate-digital-ica-2671516 "Babies born in Singapore from May 29 will no longer have physical birth certificates, as the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will only issue digital certificates. " It might not be a big deal to much people, but for me as a parent. I do feel that the physical birth cert holds some meaning. Should have made it optional and not taken away. If you've a few seconds to spare, I made a petition, likely won't work to get any attention, but not harm trying... https://www.change.org/p/retain-physical-birth-certificates-singapore-ica Thanks!

https://mustsharenews.com/ica-imported-bak-kwa/ ICA Seizes Illegally Imported Bak Kwa & Pork Floss From Malaysia With Chinese New Year preparations in full swing, many households are going above and beyond to celebrate the upcoming holiday. However, some things are not worth the extra effort, especially if it means bringing them illegally into the country. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) shared a Facebook post on Thursday (20 Jan), regarding the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s (ICA) recent activities. So far, they have foiled several attempts to illegally import 169 cartons and 11 packets of bak kwa, as well as 3 cartons of pork floss from Malaysia. SFA conducting investigations into imported bak kwa According to the SFA, ICA had seized all the items at land checkpoints between Singapore and Malaysia. They also clarified that no establishment in Malaysia has received approval to export bak kwa and pork floss into Singapore. SFA will thus be conducting investigations into these illegal imports. Illegally imported food pose a food safety risk SFA explained that since illegally imported foods come from unknown sources, they can pose a potential safety risk. Hence, they advise consumers to only purchase from established retailers and question suppliers regarding the products’ sources if ever in doubt. First-time offenders found guilty of importing meat products illegally are liable to a maximum $50,000 fine and/or imprisonment of up to 2 years. Find other ways to impress family & friends Bak kwa is a delicacy mostly enjoyed during CNY celebrations. As much as we want to give the very best to our friends and family, it shouldn’t come at the detriment of public food safety. We hope that everyone can find different ways to stand out this CNY.

Sexual Enhancement Drugs Hidden As ‘Clothes & Toys’ In Smuggling Attempt, ICA Notices Weird X-Rays source: https://mustsharenews.com/sexual-enhancement-drugs-smuggling/ Sexual Enhancement Drugs Hidden As ‘Clothes & Toys’ In Packages At Changi Airfreight Centre It seems that no matter how on the ball our Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is, some people will still attempt to smuggle illegal products into Singapore. We’ve heard of people trying to bring in drugs, cigarettes, and even animals into Singapore. Now people are giving the ICA a, ahem, hard time by attempting to smuggle in sexual enhancement medicines. The discovery was revealed by the ICA in a Facebook post on Friday (11 Sep). Packages declared to be ‘clothes & toys’ According to the ICA, the discovery was made at the Changi Airfreight Centre on Tuesday (8 Sep). That means the items presumably came via air. Officers were conducting X-ray checks on packages that were declared to be “clothes & toys”. However, they noticed “anomalies” in the packages. Further inspection revealed 42.5kg worth of sexual enhancement products. The ICA has referred the case to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigation, it said. Concern over concealment method The ICA also expressed concern over the method that was used to conceal the goods. It said that similar methods may be used by others to smuggle products that pose a security threat to Singapore. Thus, it will continue to conduct checks on passengers, good and vehicles. Gun replicas intercepted from shipment Further illustrating the security threat to Singapore from smuggling, the ICA said in an earlier Facebook post on Wednesday (9 Sep) that it had intercepted gun replicas that presumably came via ship. At Tanjong Pagar Scanning Station, which checks on cargo arriving via sea, a container was being scanned on 6 Sep. It contained a consolidated consignment that was declared as toys and household items. More anomalies found from scanning From the scanning, officers again found anomalies in the shipment. Thus, they unstuffed the consignment at the importer’s premises. They then found 4 gun replicas, as well as various accessories. The case has since been referred to the Singapore Police Force for investigations. Concealment method may be used by terrorists The items on 6 Sep may have been gun replicas, but they could just have easily been real guns. Thus, the ICA also warned about this method of concealment. Apparently, terrorists may smuggle arms and explosives into Singapore in the same way. These weapons can be used to carry out attacks in Singapore. The ICA will hence continue to look out for dangerous contraband items like these at our checkpoints. Keeping our borders safe While the danger of weapons doesn’t need to be explained, sexual enhancement drugs are also risky as if they’ve not been tested and approved by the relevant authorities, they may contain harmful ingredients. Kudos to the ICA for keeping our borders safe by stopping the import of these potentially harmful items into Singapore. So we would advise those aiming to test the ICA further: Don’t.

ICA Warns Of Heavy Checkpoint Traffic Over CNY, Start Your Journey Earlier So You Reach On Time Source: https://mustsharenews.com/heavy-traffic-checkpoint-cny/ Traffic At Woodlands & Tuas Checkpoints Will Be Heavy For CNY, Don’t Cut Queues To Save Time Many people in Singapore will drive to Malaysia during the Chinese New Year holidays, either to celebrate with relatives or just to take advantage of the break. Immigration Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has warned that traffic is expected to be heavy between 25-28 Jan, reported Channel NewsAsia (CNA). Heavy traffic during CNY, delays expected at checkpoints According to CNA, ICA cleared a whopping 475,000 travellers on the Friday before Christmas in 2019. This is around 60,000 more than their daily average of 415,000 travellers. For the upcoming festive season, delays are expected since there will be security checks on top of the higher-than-average number of travellers. ICA said that “traffic build-up is inevitable”. Traffic departing from Singapore is anticipated to be heavy from 17-28 Jan. Meanwhile, arrival traffic to Malaysia during 25-28 Jan is expected to be slow too. Factor in extra time for travelling In light of the festive season, it’s safe to assume that crossing the checkpoints will take a few hours. To avoid any delays in your travel plans, it will be wise to factor in extra time for travelling. You can also check OneMotoring to check out the traffic conditions before you leave the house. Most importantly, remember to visit the bathroom before you head for the checkpoints. You wouldn’t want to be stuck in a jam with nowhere to run to. Check your passports ICA also reminded travellers to ensure that their passports have a validity of at least 6 months. Prohibited and controlled items like bak kwa and eggs, as well as firecrackers, cannot be brought across the checkpoints. Those who bring such items in should “proactively make declarations to… officers prior to checks”. Be gracious when travelling across the border While we might be in a hurry to get to our destinations, we should not forget to be gracious. Don’t cut the queues during the peak periods and be courteous to the officers who are working during the public holidays.

The very popular open air car park at ICA /Lavender MRT will be closed from 1st Jan 2020.

More changes to come for those boarding/landing flights from Changi Airport Terminal 4. To be more exact, the 6 months trial already started on the 25th of November. Went to Bangkok recently via AirAsia (Terminal 4) and was actually my first visit to T4. Pleasantly surprised that it is completely self-service and seamless from the check in kiosk, to the printing of boarding pass, baggage tag, bag drop machine. But these are not completely unique as other terminals like T1 if not all, already have have similar automations too. Even the biometrics used to scan passports are different in T4, albeit a little more inconvenient as we are required to remove our entire passport cover to scan. Not forgetting the automated security checks for baggage after clearing immigration. How cool. If I don't travel more often, I'm gonna be even more surprised with all the upgrades of our airports.

ICA Advisory: Traffic flow through the land checkpoints is expected to be heavy from 6 – 15 September 2019 heck On Traffic Situation Before Embarking On Your Journey Through The Land Checkpoints This September School Holiday Traffic flow through the land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas is expected to be heavy during the September school holiday period from Friday, 6 September 2019 to Sunday, 15 September 2019. Travellers using the land checkpoints during this period can expect delays and are advised to adjust their travel plans where necessary. Travellers Have a Part to Play Security at checkpoints remains the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)’s top priority against any potential threats to Singapore. With security checks coupled with large number of travellers using the checkpoints at the same time, traffic build-up is inevitable and delays can be expected. Travellers should factor the additional time needed for immigration clearance into their plans. Before setting off on their journey, travellers are reminded to check and ensure that they bring their rightful passports with a remaining validity of six months or more. During peak periods, ICA has encountered many instances of travellers turning up at the land checkpoints either with a wrong passport, or without a passport. Such cases will cause unnecessary delays, add to traffic build-up and inconvenience other travellers. ICA would also like to remind travellers that passports which have been reported lost can no longer be used for travelling even if they are found subsequently. These passports will be cancelled by ICA, and any attempt to use them is an offence under the Passports Act and may be punished by a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both. Passports that have been recovered must be surrendered to ICA within 14 days. Failure to surrender the recovered passport is an offence under the Passports Regulations and may be punished by a fine of up to $3,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both. Travellers are also reminded not to bring in prohibited items such as firecrackers, “Pop-Pop” or chewing gum. If travellers bring in dutiable or controlled items such as eggs, meat products and potted plants, they should proactively make declarations to ICA officers prior to checks. Traffic Information There were many instances of queue-cutting at both land checkpoints during peak periods. ICA advises against this as it can cause severe congestion and compromise motorists’ safety. Motorists are reminded to observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline at all times and cooperate with checkpoint officers to ensure a safe environment at the checkpoints. Before embarking on the journey, motorists are advised to check the traffic situation at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints through the One Motoring website or via the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) installed along the BKE and AYE respectively. Motorists can also check the ICA’s Facebook page for updates on the traffic situation at both land checkpoints. For more Traffic Information: Call the traffic information hotline at 6863-0117; Tune in to the radio; or Visit One Motoring website (www.onemotoring.com.sg) or MyTransport.SG portal (www.mytransport.sg); or Visit ICA’s Facebook page for traffic updates at the land checkpoints. Clearance Efficiency Without Compromising Security The ICA will continue to take necessary measures to improve clearance efficiency as much as possible without compromising security. The checkpoint officers will continue to monitor traffic conditions on a real time basis and ensure optimal deployment of resources. The ICA will also continue to work with the Traffic Police to ensure road discipline at the critical junctions leading to the land checkpoints. ICA seeks travellers’ understanding and cooperation when using the land checkpoints during the peak periods. [1]12 August 2019 is a public holiday in Malaysia except for the state of Johor.

this guy accessed travellers data to xian zabor... Former ICA officer fined S$29,000 for unauthorised access of travellers’ data https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/former-ica-officer-fined-s29000-unauthorised-access-travellers-data

China passport holders to get automated clearance at immigration ... So, looks like automated will not be faster anymore from 16 Nov onwards .... and with this increase in numbers, would this cause inconvenience to us, Singaporeans? Only time will tell ... http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/china-passport-holders-get-automated-clearance-immigration SINGAPORE — From Nov 16, eligible Chinese citizens will be able to use the enhanced immigration automated clearance system (eIACs) service at Singapore’s checkpoints, announced the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) today (Nov 6). China passport holders above the age of six are eligible to enrol for the automated service. They must also hold a valid five-year (or longer) Multiple Journey Visa issued by Singapore and have visited Singapore at least three times in the preceding 12 months, Enrolment is on a voluntary service and is free of charge. Interested applicants should bring their passport (with remaining validity of at least six months), one recent colour passport-size photograph and other relevant documents to the enrolment centres located at Changi Airport, Woodlands Checkpoint, Tuas Checkpoint and the ICA Building to apply for this service. Those aged between six and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and present documentary proof of relationship. The ICA said the move will provide greater travel convenience for Chinese visitors and facilitate trade, business and tourism links between Singapore and China. Currently the service is also available to Australian and Hong Kong citizens, as well as Malaysian citizens who are assessed to be eligible under the Frequent Traveller Programme at the time of application.