Desmond Choo on Immigration (Amendment) Bill

Singapore is making “significant strides” towards modernising its immigration processes and bolstering national security with proposed changes to the Immigration Act, said MP Desmond Choo in Parliament on Monday (Sep 18). With automated immigration clearance set to be the norm at the country’s checkpoints, he asked if manpower and operational work streams are ready for the changes and whether immigration officers will be given support, such as upskilling, to help them with the transition. He also wanted to know how travellers’ digital identities and flight information will be safeguarded, as well as contingency plans in the event of technological glitches. Mr Choo asked if Singapore plans to work with regional partners to integrate its New Clearance Concept as a cross-border initiative. Meanwhile, a No-Boarding Directive will be introduced, where transport operators may be directed to deny boarding to “undesirable individuals”, especially those who pose a safety or security threat. In implementing this, Mr Choo asked the authorities to consider striking a balance between safeguarding security and ensuring that Singapore remains attractive as an international transport hub.