A 47-year-old male Singaporean, Mow Cheang Chong (Mow), and a 42-year-old female Chinese national, Wang Xiaoyan (Wang), were each sentenced to six months’ imprisonment on 18 July 2019 for offences under the Immigration Act.
According to the press release from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Wednesday (7 August), investigations revealed that Mow and Wang befriended each other at a public entertainment outlet that Wang was working at in early 2015.
When Wang’s work pass was cancelled in March 2015, she left Singapore but kept in contact with Mow. As Wang had ambitions to return to Singapore for work, they agreed to enter into a marriage of convenience (MOC) with each other so that Wang could have an advantage in obtaining immigration facilities in Singapore. In return, Wang would give Mow gratification in the form of sexual favours.
Mow and Wang then solemnised their marriage in the People’s Republic of China on 28 Oct 2015 and Wang returned to Singapore sometime in September 2016. During this period, Wang extended her stay in Singapore several times with Mow acting as the sponsor for her visit pass applications.
The authority then granted her a Long Term Visit Pass on 22 February 2017. Mow and Wang had declared in all of her visit pass applications that they were staying together when they were not.
On 2 March 2017, Wang was arrested by officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) during a raid at a massage establishment in Orchard. After suspecting that Wang was involved in a MOC, SPF referred Wang and Mow to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on 3 March 2017 for further investigation.
ICA then charged the ‘couple’ for entering into a MOC and for making false statements to attempt to obtain visit passes. After a trial, the ‘couple’ was convicted on 17 May 2019.
ICA stressed that it takes a serious view of individuals trying to circumvent our system by engaging in or arranging/assisting to arrange marriages of convenience to obtain immigration facilities in Singapore. The penalties for the offence are a fine not exceeding S$10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or both.
Any person who makes a false statement to obtain or to attempt to obtain an entry or a re-entry permit, pass, Singapore visa or certificate for himself or for any other person, shall also be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$4,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both.
ICA also noted that it will continue to take firm enforcement action against errant couples and middlemen.
“We will spare no effort in investigating such cases and will pursue every available lead.” wrote ICA.
We are shifting our daily news to Gutzy.Asia Support us there!
47-yr-old Singaporean and 42-yr-old Chinese national jailed for entering into Marriage of Convenience
Subscribe
Login
0 Comments
Latest posts
Election surprises and certainties: Dissecting Tharman’s presidential win
In the 2023 Presidential Election, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam secured a stunning 70.4% landslide victory, surprising many, including himself.
Despite expectations that TKL would win the opposition votes, voters from both camps showed a preference for Tharman's charisma and perceived competency.
As Singapore reflects on the outcome, questions arise about the election's fairness and the real implications of Tharman's dominant win.
Volunteer as a Polling and Counting Agent for Singapore’s 2023 Presidential Election
For the upcoming Singapore Presidential Election on 1st September, members of the civil society have spearheaded an initiative to strengthen our democratic fabric.
We invite committed individuals to join us as Polling and Counting Agents, standing together for a transparent, fair, and just election.
This vote counting exercise, organized by members of civil society, is not specifically in support of Mr Tan Kin Lian, a candidate in the upcoming Presidential Election. It's an exercise in active citizenry.
Nonetheless, Mr Tan endorses this initiative, which hinges on his candidacy, championing transparency, and has given permission for the results to be shared publicly.
Reflections from the Centenary: The Legacy of LKY and Singapore’s Future
Gilbert Goh reflects on the LKY centenary event: an inspiring showcase of a leader's global legacy juxtaposed against current challenges, urging Singapore to continue its path of progress.
Lim Tean advocates for Tan Kin Lian: A visionary leader for Singapore’s Presidency
In his speech at Mr Tan Kin Lian's launch of his presidential bid, Mr Lim Tean passionately championed the need for a truly Independent President.
Highlighting Mr Tan Kin Lian's unique credentials and genuine concern for the wellbeing of Singaporeans, the Peoples Voice leader emphasized the pressing challenges of rising living costs and job insecurities faced by the public.
Mr Lim depicted Mr Tan Kin Lian as a beacon of hope for the nation, advocating for a leader who genuinely understands and represents the people’s aspirations.
Tan Jee Say endorses Tan Kin Lian for President: A courageous, genuine, and humble...
In advocating for a truly representative leader, Tan Jee Say underscored Tan Kin Lian's humility, courage, and genuine dedication. Highlighting the pressing need for restored public trust and effective independence, Tan Jee Say emphasized that Tan Kin Lian, as the 'People's President', would bring back hope to Singaporeans and champion true democracy
Tan Kin Lian’s pledge: Rekindling unity and charting a vigorous future for Singapore
In the press conference to announce his bid for the Singapore presidency, Tan Kin Lian emphasizes safeguarding Singapore's reserves and strengthening public service integrity. Drawing on his 30-year leadership at NTUC Income, he envisions a future with affordable living, accessible housing, and job stability, pledging collaboration with the government for a united nation.
Strengthening Singapore’s political foundations: A call to action by Leong Mun Wai on Singapore’s...
Leong Mun Wai urges Singaporeans to strengthen political checks and balances, emphasizing, 'The best is yet to be for Singapore if we dare to make the right decision in upcoming elections.
