Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Companies Claiming to be Able to Improve the Chances of Securing Permanent Residence in Singapore, by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law

Question:

Mr Lim Biow Chuan: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry is aware of companies claiming to be able to improve the chances of securing permanent residence in Singapore; and (b) whether such claims run contrary to public policy regarding immigration policies.

Answer:

1.   The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is aware of companies that claim to be able to help applicants improve their success in obtaining long-term immigration facilities in Singapore, including Permanent Residence (PR).

2.   ICA does not support or endorse the services offered by these companies. All PR applications are evaluated objectively and rigorously by ICA, based on the applicant’s ability to contribute to Singapore and commitment to sinking roots here.

3.   Applicants who choose to engage the services of these companies are advised to exercise caution. Companies that publish false or misleading advertisements about their services will be referred to the Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore (ASAS), who will investigate and take action on advertisements that breach the Singapore Code of Advertising Practice (SCAP).