Man in S'pore fined S$2,000 for false declarations in spouse's application, 1st conviction under new ICA law

A man in Singapore was fined S$2,000 on Jul. 10, 2026 for making false declarations as the local sponsor in his spouse's application for a long-term visit pass.

Tan Kim Lam was convicted under the Immigration Act 1959, which came into effect on Dec. 31, 2024.

He is the first person to be prosecuted under this provision, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a statement.

His wife was identified as Lin Qiaoming.

According to the Immigration Act 1959, an applicant or local sponsor may be held liable if false or misleading information is provided in an application for any immigration facility.

This is so even when the applicant or sponsor claims ignorance that the information was false or misleading.

Responsibility of applicants and sponsors

ICA said it takes a very serious view of individuals who make false or misleading statements in applications to obtain immigration facilities for themselves or others.

Applicants and local sponsors are reminded that they are responsible for ensuring that the information provided in their applications are true and accurate.

Those convicted under the Immigration Act 1959, may be fined up to S$4,000.

ICA also said it has strengthened its capabilities to detect travellers using multiple identities by leveraging biometrics and data analytics.

This includes the implementation of multi-modal biometrics screening in 2020, which captures travellers’ biometrics and helps detect individuals attempting to enter Singapore using a different or false identity.