13 Indian nationals arrested in Hougang for overstaying, another nabbed for allegedly harbouring them
Eleven men and two women, aged between 19 and 44, were arrested in Hougang for overstaying in Singapore after their visit passes had expired.
The 13 Indian nationals were nabbed by officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) during an enforcement operation on March 3.
In addition, a 26-year-old Indian national, who had provided lodging for the immigration offenders, was arrested for suspected harbouring offences.
Investigations are ongoing.
Overstayers can receive a jail term of up to six months, and a minimum of three strokes of the cane or a fine of up to $6,000. Arrested immigration offenders are also deported and barred from re-entering Singapore after sentencing and/or payment of fines.
A person found guilty of recklessly or knowingly harbouring overstayers and/or illegal immigrants may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than six months and up to two years and a fine of up to $6,000.
A person found guilty of negligently harbouring overstayers and/or illegal immigrants may be sentenced to a fine of up to $6,000 or to imprisonment for a term of up to 12 months, or to both.
ICA added that those who wish to rent out their premises must exercise due diligence in checking the immigration status of their prospective foreign tenants to ensure that their stay in Singapore is legal.
They are required to:
- Check the tenant's original immigration/work pass.
- Cross-check the particulars on his/her pass against the particulars on his/her
original passport. - Verify the validity of his/her pass by checking with the issuing authority — the Ministry of Manpower for work passes and ICA for immigration passes.
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