Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Resolving Biometric Identification Technical Issues for Automated Clearance of Babies and Children Passing Through Immigration Checkpoints

Question:

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs how is the Ministry resolving technical issues surrounding biometric identification for automated clearance of babies and children passing through immigration checkpoints.

Answer:

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

1.   As the physical features and biometrics of children aged below six are still developing and may not provide a reliable means of authentication, such travellers would require additional assistance at automated lanes.

2.   The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has since November 2022, catered for Special Assistance Lanes (SALs) at the passenger halls of Changi Airport to facilitate automated clearance of family groups of up to four persons, including children aged below six. ICA officers will be on hand to manually verify the children’s identity.

3.   SALs also be installed progressively at the land and sea checkpoints from the end of this year.