Parliament
Sun Xueling: No rise in arrests of short-term Chinese visitors since visa exemption
On Monday (9 Sept), Minister of State for Home Affairs Sun Xueling clarified that no increase in arrests of short-term Chinese visitors since the 30-day visa exemption started earlier this year. She defended the exemption as a well-balanced decision offering economic benefits while managing risks. This response addressed NCMP Leong Mun Wai’s questions about whether the government is considering tougher penalties for cross-border crimes amid concerns over foreign syndicates linked to recent housebreakings.
SINGAPORE: Minister of State (MOS) for Home Affairs Sun Xueling on Monday (9 Sept) clarified that since the 30-day visa exemption arrangement was implemented on 9 February 2024, there has been no increase in the number or percentage of short-term visitors from China being arrested in Singapore.
She emphasized that the mutual visa exemption with China was a well-considered decision, balancing significant economic and bilateral benefits with manageable security, criminal, and immigration risks.
Ms Sun was responding to a Parliamentary question filed by Mr Leong Mun Wai, Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) from Progress Singapore Party (PSP).
Mr. Leong inquired whether the visa exemption had led to an increase in arrests and if the automated lanes at Changi Airport had heightened the risk of non-bona fide travelers entering Singapore.
In response, Ms Sun refuted Mr Leong concern, noting that his question likely prompted by the recent burglaries which appear to be linked to foreign syndicates involving Chinese nationals.
She assured that even considering the 14 Chinese nationals of interest to the police who are currently overseas, the arrest rate of Chinese visitors is lower compared to the previous year.
She highlighted that while a visa regime helps screen and deter undesirable visitors, it cannot eliminate all risks.
She assured that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) employs a multi-layered, risk-based approach with enhanced systems and technology to screen travelers, including using biometrics and advanced data analytics.
Consequently, the percentage of travelers refused entry has increased due to these more robust and comprehensive checks, said MOS Sun.
MOS Sun further emphasised the importance of the tourism sector, which generated S$27.2 billion in receipts in 2023 and employed over 71,000 workers.
She noted that Singapore faces competition from countries like Malaysia and Thailand, which are also working to attract Chinese visitors, and argued against closing borders as a measure to prevent crimes committed by foreigners.
In his supplementary question, NCMP Leong argued that additional security measures are needed as the number of visitors increases.
He specifically asked if the government is considering tougher penalties for cross-border crimes, such as scams, money laundering, and burglaries committed by some Chinese nationals.
In response, MOS Sun explained that the government regularly reviews and updates laws, including the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) and Penal Code, to address evolving transnational crimes like human trafficking, drug trafficking, and online scams.
She assured that the government remains vigilant about new crime trends and technology’s role, continuously adapting laws and measures to enhance deterrence against criminal activities.
