Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Number of Visa-Free Visitors Arrested or Identified as Persons of Interest for Criminal Offences From 2021 to June 2024

Question:

Ms He Ting Ru: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many visa-free visitors to Singapore have been arrested or identified as persons of interest for criminal offences each year from 2021 to June 2024; (b) what is the breakdown of these offences by type, number, and country of origin; (c) what enhanced screening measures are being considered to prevent and counter crime by visitors on visa-free travel; and (d) whether the Ministry will consider implementing an electronic travel authorisation system similar to other jurisdictions to better vet visa-free visitors.

Answer:

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

1. There are over 150 countries whose citizens do not require a visa to enter Singapore. It is not practical nor meaningful to publish their crime statistics. There are also bilateral considerations, and it may send the wrong message to bona fide visitors from these countries.

2. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) uses a risk-based, multi-layered approach to balance between border security and facilitation of travellers. The Member may refer to the oral reply delivered on 9 September 2024 in response to a question posed by Mr Leong Mun Wai, for more details.

3. We are satisfied with the current measures, and for now, do not see a need for an additional electronic travel authorisation regime. Also, such a regime will make visiting Singapore more inconvenient.