9 foreigners to be deported for asking travellers at airport to carry gold and phones to their countries
Nine foreign nationals, aged between 30 and 48, are being investigated for their involvement in illegal touting activities at Changi Airport.
They were caught in a joint operation by officers from the police, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Changi Airport Group conducted at Changi Airport on March 22.
Acting on information received, the officers found that the nine individuals had approached travellers of the same nationality to solicit them to carry gold and mobile phones back to their home countries and hand the items to the recipients there in exchange for a cash reward.
Following the conclusion of the investigations, eight of the foreigners had their work passes revoked by MOM and one had his short-term visit pass cancelled by ICA.
All of them will be deported and barred from re-entering Singapore.
Under the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore Act, those touting in the airport will be issued a Prohibition Order and they can be arrested for Criminal Trespass if the Order is flouted.
Foreign nationals found engaging in such unlawful activities may also face revocation of their immigration or employment status and be barred from re-entering Singapore.
Foreigners on work passes are only allowed to work in the occupation, and for the employer, as approved for their work pass. They are not allowed to operate or participate in any other business.
Foreign visitors on short-term visit passes are prohibited from engaging in any form of employment (paid or unpaid), business, profession, or occupation in Singapore during their stay in Singapore.
Travellers are reminded to avoid carrying goods on behalf of strangers as doing so may expose them to security risks, or arrest and prosecution for involvement in illicit activities.
