Tougher to sneak into Singapore, thanks to new technology and increased surveillance
By
Carolyn Quek
Last year, eight vehicles were detained at the checkpoints for conveying illegal immigrants. ICA says stepped-up checks have increased the risks for human smuggling syndicates. -- PHOTO: COURTESY OF ICA
IT IS getting tougher for foreigners to sneak into Singapore illegally and stay on without papers.
And fewer are attempting to do so, as the screws have gradually tightened on border security, through new technology and increased surveillance.
Unlicensed drugs cases up
IMMIGRATION officers foiled almost six times more attempts to sneak unlicensed drugs and medicines into Singapore last year, with almost five cases a day.
From 320 cases in 2007, the number ballooned to 1,820 last year.
Latest Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) figures show that 2,400 illegal immigrants and 3,600 overstayers were arrested in Singapore last year, a drop of 20 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively, from 2007.
In 2006, 9,000 overstayers and illegal immigrants were caught.
The number of people caught harbouring immigration offenders also dipped last year, as did the number of employers hiring illegal workers.
In all, eight vehicles were detained at the checkpoints for conveying illegal immigrants - continuing a downward trend since 2004, when 20 were nabbed.
'The generally falling trend could be attributed to the fact that human smuggling syndicates, in response to the checks at the land checkpoints, are now less willing to undertake the conveyances due to the increased risk of detection,' the ICA said.
The number of immigration offenders trying to enter checkpoints without legal documents also saw a 26 per cent drop last year.
Many, among them repeat offenders, were deterred by the biometric database containing photo and fingerprint records of immigration offenders and individuals posing security risks.
Technology has been paramount in ICA's fight against immigration offences.
The travel document reader, Matrix, can capture full-page colour images and match them against targets on watch lists using facial recognition technology.
It can also detect photo substitution.
Another key factor has been the increased surveillance at borders, making it harder for illegal immigrants to slip in undetected.
More spotlights, barriers and cameras in dark and obscure areas have been installed to prevent people sneaking into Singapore under the cover of darkness.
Constant raids by ICA officers have also made it hard for illegals to hide out.
The largest swoop last year, in October, turned up 48 immigration offenders in many areas around the island.
Raids following terrorist Mas Selamat Kastari's escape from detention also flushed out at least 66 immigration offenders, though the main fugitive was not found.
Dr Teo Ho Pin, who chairs the Government Parliamentary Committee for Law and Home Affairs, said that while the numbers show tightened measures taken by the ICA are paying off, vigilance must still be maintained, especially in maritime security.
He said: 'We are an island surrounded by water, and it is very easy for illegal immigrants to slip in if our coastal patrols are not kept up.'
