Increase in percentage of travellers refused entry with automated lanes

Since automated immigration lanes were introduced for all foreigners at Changi Airport in May, a higher percentage of travellers have been refused entry into Singapore.

- Christine Tan

With automated clearance, checks are done earlier and technology can be used more extensively, said Minister of State for Home Affairs Sun Xueling.

Ms Sun was responding to a parliamentary question from Progress Singapore Party Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai on Sept 9.

Mr Leong had asked if the automated lanes for all foreigners at Changi Airport had increased the risk of people who are not genuine travellers entering Singapore.

Ms Sun replied that the new system had led to an increased percentage of travellers who are refused entry into Singapore, but did not give exact numbers.

Earlier in the day, Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam said in Parliament that every month, about 2,500 visitors are refused entry at Singapore's checkpoints for various reasons.

Mr Shanmugam was responding to parliamentary questions about border security measures, which were prompted by the case of extremist Bangladeshi preacher Amir Hamza. He had entered Singapore on Aug 9 and preached to migrant workers at a dormitory here without a permit.