Speaking to reporters at a press conference yesterday afternoon, Mexico's Ambassador to Singapore, Mr Juan Jose Gomez Camacho, described the measures, which kicked in on Saturday, as 'unjustified and unnecessary'.

Previously, Mexicans did not require a visa to enter Singapore.

'These are times that we need to cooperate and work closely together, to show solidarity, and not to impose measures that tend to isolate,' he said. 'Especially in this case, in which the World Health Organisation has been very clear in stressing that there is no need to take such measures.'

Ambassador Camacho said that when he was informed of the news, he immediately contacted Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express his views.

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said last week that the measures were precautionary - implemented in the hope of reducing the risk of a flu outbreak here. Just as with other visa impositions, the travel restrictions on Mexico were likely to be reviewed at a later stage.

Ambassador Camacho said he received numerous calls from the approximately 400-strong Mexican community here after the travel restrictions were imposed.

Many expressed discomfort over being singled out in a crisis that has now affected a total of 20 nations. They were also confused about how the new restrictions might affect them.

The embassy said Mexicans who were permanent residents and those with work permits and relevant documents will not be affected by the visa requirements.

Ambassador Camacho said that while the Mexican government understood and supported the Singapore Government's decision to do what was necessary to protect its people, he questioned the rationale behind the travel restrictions.

Read the full story in today's edition of The Straits Times