Singapore's immigration offenders down 19 pct in 2014

The total number of immigration offenders (IOs) arrested by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore decreased 19 percent on-year in 2014, ICA said in its annual report on Tuesday.

Among the 2,050 offenders, the number of illegal immigrants dropped about 42 percent to 350, while the number of overstayers dropped 12 percent to 1,690 last year.

Despite the improved situation, ICA said that it will remain vigilant to keep Singapore's borders secure, adding that Singaporeans should not employ or harbor immigration offenders.

According to the report, the number of harborers arrested in 2014 has increased by 7 percent to 250 while the number of employers arrested for hiring IOs has dipped about 29 percent than the previous year.

ICA also saw fewer couples who get married only to get the immigration facilities in Singapore. A total of 170 persons were convicted for marriages of convenience last year, a 40-percent drop as compared to the previous year. ICA said it takes a tough stance and prosecutes errant couples and middlemen trying to circumvent its system, adding that the penalties for the offense are a fine not exceeding 10,000 Singapore dollars or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or both.

The total number of contraband cases detected at Singapore's checkpoints dropped by 6 percent to 93,380 in 2014. ICA said travelers are advised to check with the relevant authorities if the items that they intend to bring into Singapore require permits, license or are dutiable items. Endi