Information-sharing with banks and telcos for individuals whose work passes or immigration status have expired or been cancelled

Question:

Ms Gho Sze Kee: To ask the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether ICA currently provides banks and telecommunications operators with information on the departure from Singapore of persons whose work passes or other immigration statuses have been cancelled or expired; and (b) whether such information can be used to automatically suspend or terminate their bank accounts and mobile lines to prevent their misuse for criminal activities.


Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. Since June 2024, SPF, MOM and MAS have put in place processes with the local banks to suspend the bank accounts of work permit holders who have left Singapore after their employment has ended. This prevents their accounts from being misused by criminal syndicates.

2. Building on this, SPF has worked with IMDA and MOM to implement a similar arrangement for local mobile phone lines. The telecommunication companies have commenced the suspension of such phone lines from October 2026.

3. We will draw from this experience and consider extending these arrangements to other types of work or immigration passes, if the crime situation warrants it.