Light Over Darkness: A Special Deepavali

GRAPHIC: Phoebe Leow

For more than two years, the guardians of our borders from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) have battled the COVID-19 threat at the borders and inland to keep Singapore safe. Their roles evolved during the pandemic, and they gamely stepped up to facilitate immigration clearance for essential travellers and the safe return of residents. 

Passengers clearing immigration at Terminal 3. PHOTO: Joash Tan

As life resumes normalcy and travel restrictions eased, we caught up with Inspector (INSP) Kalai Selvei D/O Rengasamy and Staff Sergeant (SSGT) Yogaraj S/O Gunasegeran of the Airport Command on overcoming a dark, difficult two years and emerging into the light at the end of the tunnel. 

INSP KALAI SELVEI D/O RENGASAMY
Team Leader, Airport Command, ICA 

INSP Kalai Selvei d/o Rengasamy at Terminal 3 Arrival Hall. PHOTO: Phoebe Leow

What was your experience during the COVID-19 period? 
At the onset of the pandemic, my team and I facilitated immigration clearance of passengers arriving from high-risk countries at the gatehold room before they travelled to their respective dedicated Stay-Home Notice (SHN) facilities on chartered buses, to minimise interactions with other travellers. 

During the peak of the pandemic, I was deployed at the bus gate to conduct immigration clearance in open air to reduce the chances of transmission. It was uncomfortable wearing full PPE suits for long hours. However, these measures were crucial to ensure the safety of officers and loved ones.

As a trained para-counsellor, I constantly checked on my officers via Zoom calls and text messages. It was heart-wrenching to see my fellow officers serving their quarantine orders away from their families when the Changi Airport Cluster emerged in May 2021. I recalled that one of my officers broke down during the Zoom call as she could not celebrate Hari Raya with her family. 

As a Team Leader, I also had to ensure my officers were able to cope with the changing border control measures and supported their mental and emotional well-being. 

INSP Kalai and her team performing duties at Terminal 3 Duty Office. PHOTOS: Joash Tan and Phoebe Leow

What kept you going through the challenges?
The work environment is dynamic, and we face different situations every day such as managing the flow of passengers and handling passengers’ requests. This challenges me to stay on my toes and I appreciate the process of solving problems together with my team. 

I was also given the opportunity to grow and develop my potential to take on the role of a Team Leader. Having supportive colleagues and supervisors who recognise my contributions is a driving force for me to do my best.  

How is this year’s Deepavali more special for you?
I feel relieved that we are moving towards an endemic state where we can gradually resume our pre-COVID lifestyle. Deepavali celebration has always been a joyous occasion we look forward to annually. 

INSP Kalai celebrating Deepavali with family and friends before the pandemic. PHOTOS: INSP Kalai.

With the lifting of restrictions, I’m excited to host my family and colleagues at home for gatherings and have meals together! 

SSGT YOGARAJ S/O GUNASEGARAN
Primary Screening Officer, Airport Command, ICA

SSGT Yogaraj S/O Gunasegaran at Terminal 3 Arrival Hall. PHOTO: Joash Tan

How did COVID-19 affect your duties?
At the height of the pandemic, I was deployed to facilitate immigration clearance of passengers from high-risk countries at the gatehold room where they would then be transferred directly to their quarantine facilities.

The clearance process was more complex as we had to check multiple documents such as the vaccination certificates and pre-departure tests. Overtime, these checks were automated thus reducing the time taken.

Ground measures were constantly being updated in accordance with the border control policies implemented to safeguard the local community and minimise imported cases. We had to be up to date with the latest developments to ensure proper clearance for each traveller. It was overwhelming for me at the start, but constant briefings by our team leaders helped. 

The additional precautionary measures at work were also quite challenging. Our movements were restricted due to zonal segregation, and we could no longer cross over to different zones/terminals. We had to take our breaks at designated places. This also meant that our workplace interactions with colleagues and friends were limited. 

What motivates you through the tough times?
My supportive team makes me give my best at work as I consider them my family. I look forward to working with my colleagues and learning different things every day. 

I feel motivated by new situations and interacting with people. For instance, it could be challenging at times to communicate with non-English speaking passengers, but we continue to find new ways to overcome this. 

SSGT Yogaraj conducting immigration clearance. PHOTOS: Joash Tan

How are you planning to celebrate Deepavali?
As per tradition, my family would prepare homemade goodies and sweets, and do the usual spring-cleaning. My wife and I would start our day by going to the temple before visiting our parents at their homes.  

The festivities were halted in the past two years when we could only interact with our relatives through phone or Zoom calls to send our well-wishes. We are definitely looking forward to meeting our family and friends physically now that restrictions are lifted. 

SSGT Yogaraj and his family. PHOTO: SSGT Yogaraj