Filipino woman, 68, admits to overstaying in S'pore for over 12 years

After her visit pass expired on Oct. 6, 2012, a Filipino woman remained in Singapore and worked illegally during her extended unlawful stay in the country.

Her offence only came to light more than 12 years later, when she was arrested by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers on Apr. 1, 2025.

On Apr. 8, the woman, Luisa G Tan, now 68, pleaded guilty to one count under the Immigration Act for overstaying in Singapore for 12 years, five months, and 26 days, or 4,560 days.

Failed to prove her stay in Singapore was legal

According to court documents seen by Mothership, Tan was granted a visit pass on Sep. 6, 2012, which allowed her to remain in Singapore till Oct. 6, 2012.

As she was not granted any extension of stay, Tan was required to leave the country when her visit pass expired.

However, she did not comply and went under the radar until Apr. 1, 2025, when she failed to produce any evidence that she was staying legally in Singapore to ICA officers.

She was subsequently arrested at 10 Dover Rise and referred to ICA's investigation branch.

According to Google Maps, the location of Tan's arrest corresponds to the address of condominium development Heritage View.

Court documents did not disclose how ICA became aware of Tan's offence.

Top image via Canva; photo for illustration purpose only