Written Reply to Parliamentary Questions on Efficiency, Accessibility and Security of Automated Clearance Lanes at Border Checkpoints

Questions:

Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how have automated clearance lanes improved the processing time and efficiency at border checkpoints; and (b) whether the Ministry has any plans to expand the number of automated lanes to accommodate increasing traveller volumes.

Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how accessible are automated clearance lanes at border checkpoints for travellers with disabilities or those requiring special assistance; and (b) whether there are any initiatives to make automated clearance lanes more user-friendly for elderly travellers and young children.

Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how does the Ministry ensure the security and integrity of automated border control systems against potential cyber threats; and (b) what measures are in place to prevent unauthorised entry through automated lanes.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1. Compared to manual counters, automated lanes clear travellers up to 40% faster. They also take up less space and require fewer officers to operate.

2. Travellers who require special assistance will be able to use the Special Assistance Lanes (SAL). These lanes are wider and are designed for travellers using wheelchairs as well as those travelling as a family, including with the elderly or young children. The SAL can clear up to four persons at a time. ICA officers will be at hand to assist those who require help. In 2023, ICA installed a total of 58 SALs across Woodlands Checkpoint, Marina Bay Cruise Centre and Changi Airport. ICA will install more SALs this year.

3. To cater to the increasing number of travellers, ICA installed more than 160 automated lanes in 2023, and has plans to install 230 more this year. These lanes, equipped with the next generation Automated Border Control System (ABCS), will progressively replace existing automated lanes and manual counters. The ABCS will allow all foreign visitors, regardless of nationality and whether they are first time visitors, to use the automated lanes.

4. The ABCS, supported by biometrics and data analytics, is designed to detect forged passports, high-risk travellers and unauthorised entries. ICA officers deployed on-site will receive alerts to intercept relevant travellers. They will also conduct profiling, to look out for travellers exhibiting suspicious behaviours.

5. To mitigate the risk of cyber threats, all ICA systems have to comply with stringent security and data protection requirements, and there are also regular audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.