Every year million of traveler pass through Singapore’s borders especially at the renowned Changi Airport But what most people do not see is the extensive work carried out by the Immigration checkpoint authority ICA to safeguard the country from high risk travelers illegal activity and security threat In 2024 alone ICA screened and denied entry to thousands of individual In this article we explore how ICA officers perform their duty the technologies they use and why this vigilance matter for singapore
record high travel and security Risk at Changi Airport
according to ASB Zup a frontline ICA officer nearly 68 million passenger pass through Changi airport in 2024 Out of these about 33,000 traveler were denied entry across all checkpoints marking a 16% increase from the previous year. This spike can be attributed to improved profile tool and the nationwide Clearance Concept (NCC) that leverages biometric data and mobile screening device
who gets refused entry and Why?
travelers denied entry are typically considered security or immigration risks These include
Potential illegal workers
Suspected overstayers
Individuals who may commit crimes in Singapore
Using mobile tablets ICA officer can detect suspiciou behavior or documentation before the travel even reach the immigration counter ASB Zup recounted one particular case where traveler presented tamper passport. The man became uncooperative and eventually broke down during questioning A search revealed his original ID hidden in his belongings confirming his intent to deceive
Balancing Security with Hospitality
The work of ICA is not only about enforcement. officer are trained to offer a secure but welcome experience to traveler Zup emphasize that security and service are not mutually exclusive officer are expect to stay professional compassionate and vigilant all at the same time
advanced technology for smarter border checks
Singapore immigration system is equipped with automat clearance lanes that have forgery detection capability these lane are not just fast they are smart They can:
detect fraudulent passports
flag repeat offender attempting to enter under new identity
In 2024 61 such impersonation or forgery cases were identified through this technology Traveler previously barred for offense often try to return using modified documents but ICA smart systems and trained personnel are quick to catch them.
The Fight Against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing
besides border protection ICA plays a critical role in global effort to combat money laundering and terrorism financing Although traveler can bring in any amount of cash they are required to declare if carrying more than $20,000 in CBNI cash and bearer negotiable instrument
this is not mere bureaucracy its proven method to catch criminal cash couriers moving illicit funds zup share a case where a traveler attempted to bring in $90,000 undeclared claiming it was for medical treatment because she did not declare it she received a composition fine under the Corruption drug trafficking and Other Serious Crimes Act.
Why Protecting Singapore’s Borders Matters
With over 230 million travelers passing through all checkpoints in 2024 singapores small size does not reduce the risk it face In fact its status as a global hub makes it a prime target for illegal migration smuggle and financial crimes ICA officers continue to serve with unwavering dedication because keeping Singapore safe is not just their job its their duty.
We all want our loved ones to return to a safe home says ASB Zup. And it is for this reason that ICA officers prioritize duty above all.
