passport free travel in singapore

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Passport-Less Immigration Clearance to be Rolled Out Progressively at Changi Airport from August 2024

            Travellers will enjoy passport-less immigration clearance at Changi Airport starting from August 2024. This is part of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s (ICA) plan to strengthen border security, and at the same time enhance the traveller experience, by digitalising border clearance. Under the New Clearance Concept (NCC), all travellers will enjoy automated clearance [1] , and all Singapore residents and eligible foreign travellers will enjoy immigration clearance without having to present their passport. Passport-less Immigration Clearance 2.          There are two types of passport-less immigration clearance, to provide travellers with hassle-free and faster clearance.

• Token-less clearance at air and sea checkpoints: Singapore residents [2] at both arrival and departure, and all foreign travellers at departure, clear immigration using simply facial and iris biometrics, without the need to present their passport.
• QR code clearance at land checkpoints: Travellers use a QR code, instead of presenting their passport, during immigration clearance. [3]

3.          Token-less clearance is possible at the air and sea checkpoints as ICA would know beforehand, the travellers who are coming through the checkpoints, from the advance manifests submitted by airline and ship operators. 4.          At the land checkpoints, such traveller information is not available beforehand. As such, ICA has introduced the QR code as a token of identification in lieu of the passport, for faster and more convenient border clearance for both individuals and groups of travellers. Group QR codes can be stored and reused for future trips if the travel group remains the same.

QR Code Clearance to be Extended to Motorcyclists at Land Checkpoints by August 2024 5.          ICA has been progressively implementing the QR code clearance initiative for travellers at the land checkpoints, starting with car travellers on 19 March 2024. On 15 April 2024, ICA extended the initiative to bus drivers. Today, over 70% of car travellers and bus drivers use the QR code for immigration clearance. ICA will be extending the initiative to motorcyclists and pillion riders, and cargo vehicle drivers and accompanying assistants, by August 2024, and to bus passengers by December 2024. The initiative will save travellers at the land checkpoints about 30% in time taken to clear immigration.

Token-less Clearance at Air and Sea Checkpoints to Start from 5 August 2024 6.          We will be conducting live trials for arriving Singapore residents to enjoy token-less clearance at selected automated lanes in Changi Airport Terminal 3 from 5 August 2024. Token-less clearance will be progressively implemented at all terminals in Changi Airport by September 2024 and Marina Bay Cruise Centre by December 2024. Token-less clearance reduces the time taken for travellers to clear immigration by 40%. 

Travellers Must Still Bring Along Their Passport

7.          Even as we implement passport-less immigration clearance at Singapore’s checkpoints, travellers will still need their passport for immigration clearance overseas. ICA may also occasionally require travellers to produce their passport for verification.

8.          ICA officers will continue to be around to help travellers who require assistance with automated and passport-less immigration clearance. IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY 31 JULY 2024

[1] Children below the age of six years will not be able to use the automated lanes for immigration clearance.

[2] Singapore residents include Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders.

[3] First-time foreign visitors and those re-entering Singapore using a different passport from the previous trip will need to present their passport for immigration clearance. They will be able to clear immigration using QR code on their subsequent trips.

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Singapore airport to introduce 'passport-free' departure in 2024

City-state taps biometrics as Hong Kong, Japan also implement smooth procedures

SINGAPORE -- Singapore will increase the use of biometric technology for immigration clearances at its main airport in order to reduce the need for physical passports, enabling smoother travel for passengers.

Lawmakers on Sept. 18 passed a bill that will let the city-state's Changi Airport digitize and automate immigration clearances with biometrics -- authenticating a person's identity via unique physical traits such as fingerprints and retinal patterns -- from the first half of 2024.

Singapore knocks Japan off top spot in passport power ranking

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The Future of International Travel Is Passport-Free

Travelers at some of the best airports in the world no longer need to show passports, thanks to new technology that is making airport immigration smoother than ever.

In September, Singapore announced that its Changi airport will be the first international hub to go completely passport-free in early 2024 when it implements an automated immigration checkpoint that uses passengers’ biometric data. Instead of presenting a passport to an immigration officer at a kiosk, passengers will simply step up to the automated checkpoint for a facial scan that verifies their identity without needing an exit stamp. All travelers will be able to use the technology, including visitors.

“Biometrics will be used to create a single token of authentication that will be employed at various automated touchpoints, from bag-drop to immigration and boarding,” Josephine Teo, Singapore's second minister for home affairs, said in a speech to parliament . “This will reduce the need for passengers to repeatedly present their travel documents at these touchpoints, allowing for more seamless and convenient processing.”

Biometric passport clearance is a trend that will likely begin to catch on at more airports, as leveraging the technology becomes more popular. Dubai International Airport is also replacing traditional passport checks with biometric clearance—meaning that travelers will be able to walk through the terminal and onto their plane or through immigration using only their face as their ID. No more scrambling for travel documents at every point of the travel process. The program was first only available to residents and citizens, but is being expanded to certain international travelers in 2023.

As the number of air travelers is projected to keep growing worldwide, major hubs are looking for ways to handle the influx efficiently. Singapore is adding a new terminal at Changi airport to accommodate the uptick in passengers, but an “added challenge is our aging population and shrinking workforce,” Teo said, meaning the airport “will have to cope without a significant increase in manpower.” Automation is the key to doing so.

From travelers’ perspectives, an overwhelming majority are in favor of using biometrics to ease airport processes. According to a November 2022 survey from aviation trade group IATA, “75% of passengers want to use biometric data instead of passports and boarding passes.”

In the US, biometric technology is being used to verify travelers’ identities at customs and immigration checkpoints at airports across the country, but that facial scan is used by the immigration officer to ensure a passenger’s face matches the photo on their physical passport, rather than replacing passports altogether.

For now, travelers to both Singapore and Dubai will still need to carry their actual passport with them. Teo says that “a person may undergo immigration clearance using an automated clearance system, if available, but that he may also be required to appear before an immigration officer for immigration clearance after using the automated clearance system, if so directed.”

But in the near future, physical passports will be eliminated completely. “Today biometrics are attached to the physical document,” says Jeremy Springall , senior vice president at biometrics firm SITA AT BORDERS. “In the future, people will be able to travel to different countries with digital versions of their passports stored on their mobile devices.”

By 2030, many airports will have “walk-through, contactless immigration,” according to a recent paper by consulting firm Oliver Wyman. The report predicts that many airports will model their facial recognition operations off of Singapore Changi’s design. But first, airports will need to standardize customs and immigration processes and share passengers’ facial recognition and passport data. “Through coordinated efforts by governments and regulatory bodies, there is a prospect of having an internationally recognized digital identity for all passengers by 2050,” the report says. The International Civil Aviation Organization—which is run by the UN—is leading the effort to develop a universal digital identity to be used alongside airport facial scans around the world.

A uniform digital identity would mean every airport could use biometrics to track travelers across their borders, and physical passports would become obsolete. “The emergence of digital identities means we will be able to travel from anywhere to everywhere—by air, land, or sea—without needing to show physical travel documents, such as a passport, visa, health forms, boarding pass, or driver's license,” Springall says.

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One of the world's busiest airports will reduce the need to present your passport

Traveling internationally can be stressful, but those going through one of the world’s busiest airports will soon have one less thing to worry about: having their passports out. 

Singapore passed a new law this week to allow passport-free travel as soon as the first half of 2024. In place of passports, Singapore Changi Airport will use biometric sensors for passengers departing the island nation. 

“This will reduce the need for passengers to repeatedly present their travel documents at these touchpoints, allowing for more seamless and convenient processing,” said Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information & Second Minister for Home Affairs, in a speech to parliament on Monday. 

It’s good news for travelers, since the airport is often ranked as one of the best in the world . Travelers can enjoy a rooftop pool, the tallest indoor waterfall and a butterfly garden. 

In August, over 5.15 million passengers made their way through the airport. Traveler volume is only expected to keep rising to pre-pandemic levels, especially as a new terminal is being built. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“Our immigration systems must be able to manage this high and growing volume of travellers efficiently and provide a positive clearance experience, while ensuring our security,” Teo said.

The switch will help the city-state strengthen its border protection, she said.

More: J.D. Power ranks the best US airports. Is yours on the list?

Singapore Changi Airport already uses facial recognition software at some of its immigration checkpoints . 

There are some U.S. airports and airlines that also use biometric technology , the first being one of Delta Air Lines’ terminals in Atlanta. Dubai Airports is another introducing passport-free travel, which will be implemented later this year with Emirates airline. 

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected]

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Singapore changi airport unveils passport-free travel with biometric controls.

Changi Airport, often regarded as the world's best, plans to introduce biometric technology checkpoints throughout its airport next year

by Fergus Cole

September 26, 2023

Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Changi Airport

Next year, international passengers flying out of Singapore could find their journey more hassle-free than ever as the city-state’s world-famous airport announced plans to introduce automated immigration controls, allowing passengers to use biometric data instead of traditional passports.

Under the new system planned at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), one of the busiest and most highly-rated airports, passengers departing on international flights can pass through the various checkpoints throughout the airport using only their biometric data.

Photo: Courtesy of CardMapr.nl on Unsplash

This data will be collected from fingerprint scans and facial recognition technology, meaning passengers won’t have to show their physical passports before boarding their flight.

Changi Airport already uses biometric technology at specific automated immigration lanes, but the new system will replace passport checks with biometric technology throughout the departure process, from check-in and baggage drops to immigration clearance and gate boarding.

However, passengers would still be advised to take their passports when traveling, as the vast majority of airports worldwide will still require them for immigration clearance at their destination.

Passport-Free Immigration

“Singapore will be one of the first few countries in the world to introduce automated, passport-free immigration clearance,” said Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Minister of Communications and Information, in a speech to parliament on Monday, September 18th.

“This will reduce the need for passengers to repeatedly present their travel documents at these touchpoints, allowing for more seamless and convenient processing,” she added.

Singapore Changi Airport is often at the forefront of innovation regarding airport technology, and it is consistently rated among the best airports in the world for passenger experience, including taking the top spot in Skytrax’s 2023 rankings.

This year, Singapore Changi Airport is also one of the three nominees for the title of the world’s best airport in the Business Traveler USA Awards .

The airport is also a tourist destination, with sights including a butterfly garden and the HSBC Rain Vortex, the tallest indoor waterfall in the world.

Home to Singapore Airlines, Changi is also one of the world’s busiest, serving more than 100 airlines and offering flights to around 400 destinations in over 100 countries and territories worldwide.

The airport saw more than 5.15 million passengers pass through its four terminals in August alone, and passenger volumes are expected to continue to rise following the recent dip caused by pandemic restrictions, especially once the airport’s fifth terminal is built, which is expected to be completed by 2030.

Photo: Singapore Changi Airport. Courtesy of shawnanggg / Unsplash

“Our immigration systems must be able to manage this high and growing volume of travelers efficiently and provide a positive clearance experience while ensuring our security,” said Teo.

Singapore Changi is not the only airport to use biometric data technology at immigration clearance checkpoints. Dubai International Airport (DXB) introduced biometric ‘Smart Gate’ tunnels in 2018. Emirates recently suggested that all its passengers could travel through the airport’s Terminal 3 entirely passport-free as early as November this year.

Other airports across the world that use biometric technology to some extent include London Heathrow (LHR), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Hong Kong International (HKG), Delhi Indira Gandhi (DEL), and Tokyo’s Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) airports.

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Singapore debuts passport-free biometric immigration processing at Changi Airport

I n a bid to streamline and expedite the immigration process, Singapore has launched a groundbreaking trial allowing certain passengers to clear immigration at Changi Airport without using traditional passports.

This initiative leverages biometric data—such as facial and eye recognition—to simplify border control, marking a significant step in Singapore’s broader effort to modernize its airport operations.

Cut immigration wait time by 40%

Starting Monday, Singapore residents arriving at Changi Airport’s Terminal 3 can bypass conventional passport checks through a new “token-less clearance” system.

This program, which employs advanced eye and facial recognition technology, promises to cut immigration wait times by up to 40%.

By September, the system will expand to all terminals at Changi Airport and will also be implemented at Seletar Airport and Marina Bay Cruise Centre by December 2024.

The new biometric system is available to Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders.

Additionally, foreigners departing Singapore can use the system if they have previously enrolled their biometrics—such as iris, facial, and fingerprint data—at manual immigration counters.

However, children under six years old are excluded from this program and must continue using manual lanes for immigration processing.

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore has introduced this biometric system as part of its “New Clearance Concept,” which reflects a significant move towards fully automating border security.

The ICA aims for 95% of travelers to use automated lanes by early 2026, with the remaining 5% comprising those ineligible for biometric clearance, such as very young children.

While there has been some resistance to the biometric processing system, authorities maintain that it enhances both security and efficiency, markedly improving the travel experience.

QR-code clearance at land checkpoints

In addition to biometric processing, Singapore has also rolled out a passport-free clearance method involving self-generated QR codes at land checkpoints.

Since May, travelers have been able to use QR codes to enter and exit through two land checkpoints between Singapore and Malaysia.

This system is designed to manage border crossings where prior notice of traveler movements isn’t feasible.

Both the biometric and QR-code systems are part of Singapore’s broader strategy to modernize and streamline border control operations. These innovations are aimed at managing increasing traveler volumes and addressing challenges posed by an aging workforce.

Singapore’s foray into biometric processing reflects a growing global trend. Sumesh Patel, Asia-Pacific president of SITA, notes that approximately 85% of airports worldwide are expected to adopt some form of biometric processing within the next three to five years.

This technology is poised to enhance security, reduce wait times, and improve overall travel efficiency.

As Singapore leads the way in border control innovation, its successful implementation could set a precedent for other countries.

The effectiveness of these initiatives may drive broader global adoption of biometric and other passport-free methods, potentially transforming the future of international travel.

The post Singapore debuts passport-free biometric immigration processing at Changi Airport appeared first on Invezz

Singapore to go passport-free but what are the risks and how soon could Australia follow suit?

By Widia Jalal

Topic: Identification Technology

Almost 32 million passengers travelled through Singapore's Changi airport in 2022 as the country moves towards a more efficient processing system. ( Getty Images: gollykim )

The days of lining up to have your passport stamped and boarding pass checked multiple times are soon to end at one of the world's busiest airports.

Key points:

• Singapore aims to provide travellers with a more seamless and efficient immigration clearance experience
• An end-to-end automated system will replace manual passport and boarding pass checks
• The country's 2024 rollout target places it among world's first to provide automated clearance

Singapore has approved an automated, passport-free immigration clearance system that will begin operating at Changi Airport in 2024.

The move was announced in a parliamentary session this week during which several changes to the country’s Immigration Act were passed.

How will it work?

Biometrics will be used to create a single token of authentication that will be employed at various automated touchpoints, from bag-drop to immigration and boarding, according to the country's Communications Minister Josephine Teo.

"This will reduce the need for passengers to repeatedly present their travel documents at these touchpoints, allowing for more seamless and convenient processing," she said.

However, Ms Teo, who is also the Second Minister for Home Affairs, told the parliament: "It is likely that physical passports will still be required for many countries outside of Singapore."

Changi Airport is one of the busiest international airports and a major air hub in Asia. ( Reuters: Edgar Su )

Why has Singapore done this?

The shift away from manual labour has been a work in progress since 2020.

Currently, both manual and automated checkpoints are running in tandem at Changi Airport, where biometric technology is already used along with facial recognition software.

The change will allow Singapore to "provide an even more seamless, secure, and efficient immigration clearance experience for all travellers," said Ms Teo.

Ms Teo said a strong commitment to fully phase out traditional methods of identifying and authenticating travellers was needed as "the alternative of running two systems in parallel is not only costly but cumbersome."

How reliable and secure will the process be?

Traveller data will only be retained for a short time, described by Ms Teo as the period "necessary for immigration processing, analytics or investigation".

"Once these tasks are completed and ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) no longer needs the data, it will be de-personalised and properly deleted."

All data will be encrypted with controls set-up to protect against unauthorised access, use disclosure, modification or misuse — with regular checks and audits in place, the bill read.

Changi Airport is undergoing expansion to bring its overall capacity to 90 million passengers a year. ( Reuters: Edgar Su )

But Dr Bo Liu, an Associate Professor from University of Technology Sydney (UTS) who specialises in cybersecurity and privacy, warned that collecting and storing biometric data raises significant privacy questions.

"The leaking of biometric data is irreversible.

"On the contrary, you can change your passport if your information is leaked or if you lose it," said Dr Liu.

He also said that biometric systems "must be highly accurate and reliable to avoid false positives or false negatives.

"Although the current techniques are quite accurate in normal cases, there are still potential risks facing advanced attacks in the context of AI."

However, UTS Image processing and machine learning researcher Dr Qiang Wu described the technology as "safe, mature and stable".

Dr Wu, whose research covers biometrics, says the existence of fingerprint and face recognition has long been around with many protocols and guidelines developed since. 

As long as they are strictly followed and carefully monitored, he believes Australia is ready to adopt the technology. 

However, Dr Wu says the real challenge lies in how the information is shared across different countries, "given that each country has different laws and regulations in terms of bio-management and privacy protection requirements".

Could Australia introduce passport-free travel?

Australian Border Force said it is considering a number of seamless traveller initiatives which includes the use of digital credentials.

"Like Singapore and UAE, Australia is looking at contactless processing using biometrics" so passengers can pass through immigration checks without their passport, a spokesperson said.

However, it is unclear as to when this would be implemented.

With the technology still in its early adoption days coupled with the potential cyber security risks, University of Queensland associate professor in Data Science Gianluca Demartini said a "Watch-and-wait could be a good strategy for Australia."

Dr Demartini says Australia could decide to embrace innovation once "more benefits than issues are observed in those countries" following improvement to the technology and its security over time.

"It would be best to find the right moment in time when the benefits meet a level of technology reliability which is acceptable."

Have any other countries adopted this?

Dubai already offers passport-free clearance for certain enrolled travellers and will deploy their biometric system more widely in November.

The country has 122 Smart Gates that allow passengers to complete immigration clearance within five to nine seconds.

This means Singapore will be one of the first few countries to announce and execute plans for an automated clearance, given its 2024 rollout target.

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How singapore changi airport plans to implement passport free travel.

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• Singapore Changi Airport plans to implement advanced biometrics next year, eliminating the need for passengers to present their passports when departing.
• Using biometrics will create a single authentication token that can be used at various touchpoints throughout the airport, reducing the need to repeatedly present travel documents.
• The introduction of automated, passport-free immigration clearance is part of Singapore's efforts to future-proof the busy airport and manage the expected increase in traveler volume.

One of the world's busiest and most popular airports is looking to eliminate the need for passengers to present their passports before departure. A new measure in the works at Singapore Changi Airport will allow passengers to forgo presenting their passports to a border control agent by using advanced biometrics.

How will it work?

According to Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information & Second Minister for Home Affairs, the plan is to introduce the technology early next year in a move to ease the workload of immigration officers and future-proof the busy airport. The scheme only applies to departing passengers, and it will work by using biometrics to create a single token of authentication that will be employed at various automated touchpoints across the airport.

Get all the latest aviation news right here on Simple Flying.

This will help to reduce the need for passengers to repeatedly present their travel documents at each step of the journey, from bag drop to immigration and even boarding. Mrs Teo, in her speech before the nation's Parliament this week, highlighted just how necessary this technology is for future-proofing the busy airport:

"Traveler volume has continued to rise across all our checkpoints. It is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024 and continue to increase thereafter.

"Our immigration systems must be able to manage this high and growing volume of travellers efficiently and provide a positive clearance experience, while ensuring our security.

"The added challenge is our ageing population and shrinking workforce. [Immigration and Checkpoints Authority] will have to cope without a significant increase in manpower."

The country's primary airport already uses biometric technology to some degree, but not in the end-to-end manner proposed. However, Teo emphasized that passports are still required for travelers from countries outside of Singapore that do not offer passport-free processing.

The scheme is part of an overhaul of the country's immigration law, which has not been updated since 2018. It is one of several measures introduced to help automate processes to reduce increasing workloads as travel returns to pre-pandemic levels. The move will make Singapore one of the first few countries worldwide to introduce automated, passport-free immigration clearance.

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The airport is also undergoing a significant expansion. Changi Airport's Terminal 5 is being built, and the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link will be ready in a few years. In addition, a refresh of Terminal 2 is being completed, which will increase its handling capacity to 28 million passengers per year.

Singapore Airlines recently announced it was moving some flights back to T2 and introducing routes to Nepal and the Maldives , as over 5.15 million passengers passed through Changi in August.

Airports worldwide are increasingly using biometric technology with everything from boarding to bag drops. An estimated 69% of airports will use biometrics as security checkpoints by 2025.

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Follow our news, recent searches, bankrupt man used philippines passport to travel, claimed life in danger from 'corrupt officials' in china, advertisement.

Goh Chin Soon claimed he had to obtain the Philippines passport to travel out of China as he was a successful investor who had fallen prey to "corrupt officials" who wanted his land and properties.

File photo of the State Courts in Singapore. (Photo: CNA/Jeremy Long)

This audio is generated by an AI tool.

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean man claiming to be in danger from "corrupt officials" in China obtained a Philippines passport for US$250,000 and used it to pass Singapore's immigration checkpoints 46 times.

According to the passport, he was a Filipino man born in 1967 named Ngo Boris Jacinto. In reality, he was Singaporean Goh Chin Soon, born in 1955.

The prosecution charged that Goh, 69, had used the foreign passport to travel in and out of Singapore undetected 46 times in 2011 and 2012, in order to circumvent requirements imposed on him as an undischarged bankrupt.

Goh's case first went to trial in 2016, but went through a lengthy process with a retrial ordered.

At the close of the retrial, he was convicted of 46 charges under the Immigration Act for producing a misleading document to immigration officers.

He was sentenced to 15 months and six weeks' jail on Wednesday (Aug 28). This includes a jail term for another Immigration Act charge that he was previously convicted of.

Goh intends to appeal against his conviction and sentence.

GOH'S CLAIMS

Goh raised a defence of necessity to explain why he had to obtain a Philippines passport in early 2011 to travel out of China to avoid serious harm to himself.

He claimed to be a successful investor in Qingdao, China, and that he had fallen prey to "corrupt officials" who had their eyes on his land and properties.

To get his properties, the Chinese officials falsely maligned him for having ammunition, which resulted in his eventual arrest and detention, Goh claimed.

When he was arrested, Chinese authorities seized his passport and identity card and did not return these to him even after his release, he added.

His lawyer claimed that rumours were circulating at the time that Goh's life was in danger as he had reported a high-ranking corrupt official in Qingdao.

As the official's subordinates wanted to apprehend Goh, he had no choice but to flee to Xiamen. He claimed that he visited the Singapore embassy in Xiamen in September or October 2009, asking for help to get a new passport. 

He said that the embassy did not get back to him despite him making four to five trips a month to check on his case.

According to Goh, a Mr Cai You Zhang wanted to meet Goh in Taiwan in 2010, as Mr Cai knew Taiwanese government officials who could help Goh get back his seized properties from Chinese authorities.

When Goh said he could not leave China without a passport, Mr Cai purportedly offered to help him.

Mr Cai supposedly obtained a "Filipino investment passport" for Goh and said he would send another man, Mr Huang Yueh Chao, to help Goh in the application process.

Mr Huang said there was an agent who could help Goh with his investment passport application by buying a tyre shop in the Philippines for US$250,000.

Goh needed to give a deposit of US$100,000 for the plan to work, he claimed, and did so before eventually paying the full sum.

In June 2010, Mr Huang allegedly returned to Xiamen and told Goh that his surname was spelt "Ngo" in the Philippines.

Goh then said he wanted to change his name to Boris as everyone, including the Chinese authorities, knew him as Ricky.

Goh later used the Philippines passport to leave China for Taiwan. He claimed he found out his mother had died and wanted to return to Singapore to see her for the last time.

He said he believed the passport was legitimate based on Mr Huang's words, and because he had travelled to many countries with the passport without issues.

THE PROSECUTION'S CASE

The prosecution's case was that Goh had applied for a Singapore passport at the Singapore Consulate-General in Xiamen on Apr 28, 2010, but was not given one due to unresolved bankruptcy issues.

He was bankrupt from May 2001 to June 2015. As an undischarged bankrupt, he required permission to travel.

Goh knew about these issues but made no effort to resolve them, and instead paid US$250,000 for the Philippines passport, said the prosecutor.

After obtaining the passport from an unknown agent in 2011, he used it to travel in and out of Singapore. 

The prosecutor said Goh knew the Philippines passport was a misleading document, based on the highly suspicious circumstances around how he obtained it.

Although Goh successfully applied for a Singapore passport in early 2012, he continued to use the Philippines passport.

The prosecution said he did so because he did not have the approval to travel as an undischarged bankrupt, and needed to avoid detection by Singapore authorities.

The prosecution sought 18 months to 21 months and six weeks' jail for Goh, saying he had shown no remorse, instead putting forth "fanciful excuses" and spinning "an elaborate web of lies to justify his actions".

For example, he claimed an individual known as "Max Toh" had sabotaged him and got him arrested.

He also kept up the pretence after investigations began, making a fresh passport application in December 2012 stating he had lost his Singapore passport in a Xiamen hotel, even though he had the passport, the prosecutor said.

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Passport-free immigration clearance being explored under Johor-S’pore Special Economic Zone

JOHOR BAHRU - A passport-free QR code system is being explored to speed up immigration clearance for land travel between Singapore and Malaysia, as part of plans for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ).

Other collaborative initiatives being looked at include making it easier for Singapore businesses to set up shop in Johor through a one-stop business and investment service centre in the Malaysian state to facilitate applications for approvals and licences. 

Also being explored are digitised processes for cargo clearance at land checkpoints.

As both countries work towards the JSSEZ, an investors’ forum may be co-organised to gather feedback from businesses about the special zone.

In a joint press statement on Jan 11, Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and Malaysia’s Ministry of Economy said these early initiatives demonstrate the collaborative spirit between both sides and mutual interest in the JSSEZ to drive economic growth.

They complement a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that both countries inked on the special economic zone on Jan 11 to strengthen economic connectivity between Johor and Singapore.

The MOU was signed by Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong and Malaysian Minister of Economy Mohd Rafizi Ramli, and witnessed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. 

The MOU comes two months after the 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in October 2023. At the retreat, PM Lee told reporters that there was an ongoing feasibility study to determine investor interest and market demand.

Singapore was Johor’s second-largest foreign investor from January to June 2022, and contributed about 70 per cent of its total foreign direct investment in the manufacturing sector.

Under the MOU, the creation of the special economic zone will enhance cross-border connectivity in goods to promote more seamless and expedited flow between Johor and Singapore.

It will also enable freer movement for people such as professionals, managers, executives and technicians, to support investments and business operations.

To facilitate investment growth and create good jobs, the business ecosystem within the JSSEZ will be strengthened. This will be done through talent and vocational training initiatives and economic support for companies.

A framework for the special economic zone will be developed to determine economic sectors of mutual interest for cooperation, as well as which geographical areas the JSSEZ will cover.

Developing such a framework will lay the groundwork for a legally binding agreement in the future, said MTI.

Mr Gan said: “The JSSEZ underscores what Singapore and Malaysia can achieve when our governments and business communities work closely together.”

“It will serve as a bridge for both sides to tap on each other’s complementary strengths and seize opportunities to grow together.”

Mr Rafizi noted that the special economic zone presents an “unprecedented opportunity” to enhance the cross-border flow of goods and people, bolster the business ecosystem, and elevate the economic attractiveness of both Johor and Singapore.

He said: “I have full confidence that this initiative will herald the commencement of a transformative chapter in our bilateral economic relations, fostering unparalleled connectivity and prosperity for both our great nations.”

The implementation of the MOU will be overseen by a JSSEZ Joint Committee that will be co-led by Singapore’s MTI and Malaysia’s Ministry of Economy.

The committee will report to the Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia, which is co-chaired by National Development Minister Desmond Lee and Mr Rafizi.

MTI and Malaysia’s Ministry of Economy said in their statement that both countries agreed to work towards a full-fledged agreement on the JSSEZ, and an update will be given at the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat.

The JSSEZ rides on the strong growth of Johor and significant investments in the region by Singapore, said both ministries. 

The southernmost Malaysian state saw RM70.6 billion (S$20.2 billion) worth of investments in 2022 alone, across various sectors including electrical and electronics, medical equipment, food manufacturing and data centres.

Singapore and Malaysia are each other’s second-largest trading partners, with bilateral trade growing 18.9 per cent year on year to $153 billion in 2022.

The Republic was also Malaysia’s top source of foreign direct investment, contributing 20.5 per cent in 2022. 

Prior to the MOU signing, PM Lee and Datuk Seri Anwar, who is also Malaysia’s Finance Minister, attended the commemoration ceremony for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link.

The ceremony marked the completion of the connecting concrete span between the Singapore and Malaysian sections of the link’s viaduct. Two-thirds of the civil infrastructure on Singapore’s side have been completed. 

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The allure, and high cost, of the 'golden visa': a passport that gets you (almost) anywhere.

E very year, Henley Global ranks the world’s strongest passports that allow travelers to enter the most countries visa free. Singapore regularly ranks as the strongest passport, followed by Japan and certain European countries. The United States often ranks in the top 10. Without a passport that allows visa-free travel, people must deal with long visa applications and added fees. Having a strong passport makes traveling almost anywhere more doable, though getting one often involves years of patience, a lot paperwork, and a permanent move. Or you can try and buy your way into a better passport.

Citizenship or residency by investment, sometimes called a “golden visa,” is a program that exists in dozens of countries (including Canada, the US, Italy, Portugal, Malta, and many more). A golden visa is the ideal option for people who want to live in a different country, as well as for those who want to travel more freely. That was the case for Egyptian YouTuber Ammar from the channel Yes Theory, who in 2021 spent $150,000 to get citizenship from the Caribbean nation of St. Kits and Nevis . While St. Kits and Nevis passport holders can travel visa-free to 157 countries, Egyptian passport holders can only travel to 52 countries without the need to apply for a visa.

The investment can be in something tangible, like a business or property, or in something intangible, like investing in a country through government bonds. Although, the primary condition for a golden visa is how much dough you have and are ready to part with, the process of securing citizenship or residency by investment isn’t as easy as writing a check. Even if you’re rolling in cash, you need to go through an application process and meet some criteria. That’s where proper legal help from a government-recognized company like Immigrant Invest helps for acquiring a second passport or residency.

Immigrant Invest, which touts an impressive 99 percent golden visa success rate, can assist you in securing citizenship by investment in 12 different countries, and residency by investment in 29 countries, with each nation necessitating various requirements from applicants. The cost varies widely based on the country, complexity, and family size. Some can be acquired by an investment in the tens of thousands of dollars. Others call for millions.

Countries Immigrant Invest can help you get citizenship by investment:

• St. Kitts & Nevis
• Antigua and Barbuda
• North Macedonia

Countries Immigrant Invest can help you get residency by investment:

• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• New Zealand

To understand the concept of citizenship or residency by investment and the opportunities available, I spoke with Elena Ruda, a shareholder and business development director at Immigrant Invest.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Matador: What does investor immigration mean?

Elena Ruda: Investor immigration involves securing citizenship or residency by making significant economic contributions to a host country. This could be through investments in real estate, business ventures, or government bonds. Our role is to facilitate this process, ensuring all investments comply with the legal standards and due diligence required to protect both the client and the host country from financial improprieties.

What are the top three countries your clients look to gain residency or citizenship in?

Malta, Portugal, and Cyprus are frequently chosen by our clients because of their favorable investment climates, which include robust legal protections, strategic geographic locations, and advantageous tax policies. These countries also offer lifestyles considered highly desirable by international investors, which adds to their appeal.

What is the cheapest country for obtaining residency or citizenship via investment? What about the most expensive?

Vanuatu offers one of the most cost-effective citizenship programs. The reason: it is a small, wonderful country, which needs investments in the economy, as well as highly qualified new citizens who can invest in the local economy and strategic social projects of the government.

One of the most expensive is Malta. This country is also considering investments in the local economy via the respective residence by investment program, which could lead eligible investors to gain citizenship. The process is not easy and requires full commitment, transparency, and successful business, which resulted in a clear source of funds, which could be further invested within the program.

Which country has the most complicated process? What about the simplest?

Among the countries we work with, Malta presents the most complex process for fulfilling the requirements, involving stringent due diligence checks and comprehensive documentation requirements.

Conversely, Caribbean nations and Vanuatu offer more streamlined processes, typically requiring less bureaucratic involvement and facilitating quicker outcomes for investors. These differences reflect the varying legal frameworks and government policies related to investment migration.

Some countries are listed as unavailable. Do these programs change often?

Some of the citizenship by investment programs listed as “unavailable” on our website, such as those of Cyprus, Montenegro, and Bulgaria, have been discontinued. These programs were halted due to various reasons including changes in national policy and shifts in the geopolitical climate. We continuously monitor and update our offerings to reflect the current status of global investment migration programs, ensuring that we provide our clients with accurate and actionable information.

Can anyone with the appropriate funds apply or are there specific requirements for each country?

Financial capability is crucial, but other factors such as a clean criminal record, health checks, and sometimes language proficiency or cultural knowledge tests are also required, depending on the destination country’s immigration policies.

Why do the countries that offer investment programs gain?

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