On 13 August 2020, a total of five men were arrested in an enforcement operation conducted by Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers. They included four Bangladeshi nationals and one Singaporean, aged between 25 and 57 years.

2          The operation covered private residential premises in locations such as Moulmein, Novena, Geylang and River Valley. The men have been arrested for suspected immigration-related offences such as overstaying/ remaining in Singapore without a valid pass and employment of immigration offenders (IOs). They were found engaging in cleaning services work. Investigations are currently ongoing.

3          ICA takes a firm stance against any person who employs IOs. Under the Immigration Act (Cap 133), anyone found guilty of employing an IO, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of not less than six months and not more than two years, and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $6,000. ICA also takes a serious view of attempts to overstay in Singapore. Under same Act, the penalties for overstaying are a jail term of up to six months plus a minimum of three strokes of the cane.  

4           Employers and homeowners have a role to play in ensuring the safety and security of Singapore. They are reminded to exercise due diligence in checking the status of foreigners before offering them employment or renting out their premises. Without the prospect of illegal employment or shelter, IOs would not find Singapore attractive.

5           ICA is committed to safeguard Singapore’s security and will continue with our inland enforcement efforts to ensure that the IO situation is kept under control.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
17 AUGUST 2020

PHOTOS
Singaporean man (top left) and four Bangladeshis arrested in ICA’s enforcement operation on 13 August 2020