Singaporeans will be able to collect their passports from an automated machine with the launch of iCollect on Monday morning. The machines are a world first for secured document issuance.

They will first have to make an appointment online, and will be able to collect it in a matter of minutes, after verifying their identity. There will be two kiosks available at the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) building in Lavender. The machines were launched in conjuction with the Authority's 10th anniversary.

The service was officially launched by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean during ICA's workplan seminar. In his speech, DPM Teo, who is also the Home Affairs Minister, noted that with the opening of Changi Airport's T4, the Rapid Transit System between Johor Bahru and Singapore, and the high speed rail link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore there would be more people travelling in and out.

"ICA must continue to deploy innovative solutions, develop the potential of its officers, and work closely with the community in order to handle the increasing workload, rising public expectations and more complex security landscape," he said.