11 foreigners arrested for overstaying in S'pore after visit passes expired

A total of 11 immigration offenders, who overstayed in Singapore after their visit passes expired, were recently arrested on Mar. 10, 2026 in a joint enforcement operation by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

All offenders arrested were male Nepalese nationals, aged between 21 and 43 years old, according to a Mar. 16, 2026 news release.

Investigations

The joint enforcement operation at various locations in Singapore was targeting food and beverage establishments suspected of employing immigration offenders, according to the release.

In addition, two male Singaporeans who had allegedly employed two of the 11 immigration offenders are under investigation by ICA, the release noted, adding that further investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals who may have harboured or employed these immigration offenders.

Besides the 11 immigration offenders, two work permit holders and one S Pass holder are also under investigation by MOM for possible employment offences.

ICA advisory

The release noted that offenders of overstaying can receive up to six months' jail, and a minimum of three strokes of the cane or a fine of up to S$6,000.

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

Those found guilty of employing overstayers and/ or illegal immigrants may be sentenced to not less than six months and up to two years' jail and a fine of up to S$6,000.

Those found guilty of recklessly or knowingly harbouring overstayers and/or illegal immigrants may be sentenced to not less than six months and up to two years' jail 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 up to 12 months' jail, or to both.

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

MOM advisory

According to the release, under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, employers who hire foreign employees without valid work passes may face a fine of up to S$30,000 or up to 12 months' jail, or both, per charge.

They may also be barred from employing foreigners.

Foreigners who undertake employment without a valid work pass may be liable to a fine of up to S$20,000 or not more than two years' jail, or to both. Upon conviction, they will be barred from working in Singapore.

Members of public who are aware of suspicious employment activities, or who know of persons or employers who have contravened the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, may report the matter to MOM's eService.

Top photos via ICA