Immigration Law at Singapore
Overview of immigration law in Singapore, covering entry, work, residency, and citizenship:
1. Legal Framework
The primary law is the Immigration Act (Cap. 133), which regulates entry, stay, removal, and deportation.
Administered by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and partly the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) (for work passes).
2. Entry & Visitor Visas
Visa-free entry: Citizens of ~150 countries can visit Singapore without a visa for 30–90 days.
Visa-required countries: Nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, etc., must apply in advance.
Requirements: Valid passport (6 months), onward ticket, sufficient funds, and sometimes Yellow Fever vaccination (if from endemic areas).
3. Work & Employment Passes (via MOM)
Employment Pass (EP): For foreign professionals, managers, executives (salary ≥ SGD 5,000/month; higher for older applicants).
S Pass: For mid-skilled workers (salary ≥ SGD 3,150/month; quota & levy apply).
Work Permit: For semi-skilled labor in construction, domestic work, shipping, etc. Highly regulated and tied to employer.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): More flexible, not tied to one employer; for high-earning professionals.
EntrePass: For entrepreneurs starting businesses in innovative fields.
4. Residency
Short-Term Visit Pass: For tourism, social visits, short business trips (usually up to 90 days).
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): For family members of citizens/PRs, common-law spouses, or parents.
Dependant’s Pass: For family of EP or S Pass holders.
Permanent Residency (PR):
Schemes: Professionals/Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers (PTS), Global Investor Programme (GIP), Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme, or family ties.
Granted by the ICA; assessed based on economic contribution, education, family profile, integration potential.
5. Citizenship
Governed by the Singapore Citizenship Act.
Acquisition:
By birth (if at least one parent is a citizen, but not automatically if born abroad unless registered).
By descent (registered at a consulate).
By naturalisation: Requires PR status for typically 2–6 years, good conduct, economic contribution, and intent to reside permanently.
Dual nationality is not permitted: applicants must renounce their previous citizenship to become Singaporean.
6. Immigration Control & Enforcement
Illegal entry or overstaying is a serious offence, punishable by jail, fines, and caning.
Deportation & bans: Foreigners may be deported if they breach visa terms, commit crimes, or are deemed undesirable.
ICA officers have broad powers under the Immigration Act.
7. Special Pathways
Global Investor Programme (GIP): PR for those investing ≥ SGD 10–25 million in Singapore business or funds.
Tech.Pass: For highly skilled foreign tech professionals.
Student Pass: For foreign students enrolled in accredited schools.
✅ In summary:
Singapore’s immigration law is highly regulated and merit-based. Short visits are simple for most nationalities, but work and long-term residence require specific passes. Permanent residency and citizenship are competitive, granted selectively to those with economic and social integration value.
Would you like me to also prepare a flowchart of immigration pathways into Singapore (tourist → work/student → PR → citizenship)?
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