2 S'poreans, aged 26 & 32, & Chinese national, 40, charged for harbouring immigration offenders

A Singaporean man and woman, a well as a Chinese woman, were charged on Mar. 26, 2026 with harbouring immigration offenders.

The three individuals were involved in two cases, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a news release.

In the first case, two Singaporeans allegedly harboured a Malaysian man.

The second case involved a Chinese woman, who was a work permit holder, allegedly harbouring a Chinese man.

All three individuals were charged for harbouring individuals with "reckless disregard" as to whether their stays in Singapore were valid.

Both men who stayed in Singapore unlawfully have been deported and barred from re-entering Singapore.

Case involving 2 Singaporeans

Singaporean man, Phang Kang Rui, 26, and Singaporean woman, Chia Kai Hui, 32, were both charged with harbouring a Malaysian man, Ho Aik Chuan, 33.

Ho's visit pass expired on Nov. 22, 2015, and he remained unlawfully in Singapore.

ICA's investigations revealed that Phang and Chia allegedly allowed Ho to stay at their unit at Bukit Batok West Avenue 8 from Oct. 1, 2024, until his arrest on Jun. 10, 2025.

According to the news release, Ho was convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and three strokes of the cane.

Case of Chinese woman

Xie Shenghua, 40, a Chinese woman, was charged with harbouring a Chinese man, Zhang Xiaoling, 42.

Zhang's special pass expired on Sep. 12, 2024, and unlawfully remained in Singapore.

Investigations by ICA found that Xie allegedly allowed Zhang to stay at a unit in 10 Prinsep Link from mid-March 2025 to Jan. 14, 2026.

The address corresponds to the location of Sunshine Plaza Residences.

According to the news release, Zhang was convicted and sentenced to 10 weeks' imprisonment and three strokes of the cane.

ICA's three mandatory checks for prospective foreign tenants

ICA said it takes a firm stance against any person who harbours immigration offenders.

"Those who wish to rent out their premises must exercise due diligence in checking the immigration status of their prospective foreign tenants to ensure that their stay in Singapore is legal."

According to the news release, prospective landlords should conduct three mandatory checks:

1. Check the tenant’s original immigration or work pass
2. Cross-check the particulars on their pass against the particulars on their

   original passport

3. Verify the validity of the pass by checking with the issuing authority

Examples of issuing authorities include the Ministry of Manpower for work passes and the ICA for immigration passes, such as the student’s pass and long-term visit pass.

Penalties

If found guilty of recklessly or knowingly harbouring overstayers and/or illegal immigrants, a person faces six months to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to S$6,000.

If found guilty of negligently harbouring overstayers and/or illegal immigrants, a person faces up to 12 months' imprisonment or a fine of up to S$6,000 or both.

Top photo from Mokkie Mok/Google Maps and Google Maps