13 foreign nationals overstayed in S'pore after visit passes expired, 1 allegedly provided lodging, all arrested

13 immigration offenders who overstayed in Singapore after their visit passes expired were arrested during an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) enforcement operation on Mar. 3, 2026, in the vicinity of Hougang.

According to an ICA news release, all 13 immigration offenders are Indian nationals, comprising 11 males and two females aged between 19 and 44 years old.

In addition, a 26-year-old Indian national who provided lodging for the immigration offenders was arrested for suspected harbouring offences.

Investigations are ongoing.

Check immigration status

The release noted that 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.

They are required to conduct three mandatory checks:

• Check the tenant’s original immigration/work pass
• Cross check the particulars on his/her pass against the particulars on his/her original passport
• Verify the validity of his/her pass by checking with the issuing authority (i.e. the Ministry of Manpower for work passes and the ICA for immigration passes — Student's Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass)

Penalties

Overstaying is a serious offence, ICA noted, adding that offenders can receive a jail term of up to six months, and a minimum of three strokes of the cane or a fine of up to S$6,000.

Arrested immigration offenders are also deported and barred from re-entering Singapore after sentencing and/or payment of fines.

Those found guilty of recklessly or knowingly harbouring overstayers and/or illegal immigrants may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than six months and up to two years and a fine of up to S$6,000.

Those found guilty of negligently harbouring overstayers and/or illegal immigrants may be sentenced to a fine of up to S$6,000 or to imprisonment for a term of up to 12 months, or to both.

Members of the public may report suspected cases of immigration offenders to ICA online.

Top photo via ICA News Release