Overstayer arrests have surged, but many remain unaccounted for due to changing contact details.
Singapore’s Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam revealed that around 500 to 600 foreigners have overstayed in Singapore after their visit passes expired, yet to be apprehended by authorities. This figure comes despite a significant 52% increase in arrests from 357 in 2022 to 542 in 2023, as reported by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
While the number of overstayers is relatively small compared to Singapore’s annual visitor arrival numbers, the increase in arrests highlights the persistent challenge of overstaying, which is considered a serious offense under Singaporean law. Those caught overstaying beyond 90 days face severe penalties, including up to six months in jail and caning. However, the number of arrests still falls short of pre-pandemic levels, with 940 arrests in 2018 and 804 in 2019.
Minister Shanmugam explained that the authorities face difficulties in apprehending overstayers as they may have changed their contact details or addresses since entering the country. The ICA works closely with other agencies to carry out regular checks, but the sheer number of overstayers and the complexities involved in locating them present ongoing challenges.
Notably, penalties for overstaying can include not only jail time and caning but also heavy fines, with individuals over 50 years old and women being exempt from caning. These measures aim to deter illegal immigration and maintain stringent immigration control in Singapore.
