Sun Xueling on managing risks and benefits from mutual visa exemption arrangement with China

There has been no increase in the number or percentage of short-term visitors from China arrested in Singapore since the mutual visa exemption arrangement was implemented in February this year, said Minister of State for Home Affairs Sun Xueling. Replying to a Parliamentary question on Monday (Sep 9), she highlighted the risk-based, multi-layered approach of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to assess foreign travellers. Ms Sun said its systems have been upgraded and the checks have become more robust. She pointed out that the percentage of travellers who are refused entry into Singapore has in fact increased as ICA’s checks are now done further upstream with the more extensive use of technology. Ms Sun told the House that the mutual visa exemption arrangement with China was carefully assessed and weighed - that the risks are manageable and that the economic and bilateral benefits would be significant and in Singapore's interest.