Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA Singapore) – Country’s Border Control Agency Department
Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA Singapore) is the country’s border control agency department within the Ministry of Home Affairs. ICA Singapore is responsible for securing the country’s checkpoints (Singapore checkpoints) against undesirable entry.
Besides ensuring that the country is well protected against undesirable entry by people and cargo through air, land and sea, ICA Singapore is also responsible for administering immigration and registration services. This includes the issuing of Singapore Identity Cards and passports to its Singapore citizens, along with the necessary immigration permits and passes which foreigners need to enter and remain in the country.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority Singapore is a member of the Home Team under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Part of the ICA’s vision is to inspire confidence in all, and its departmental values include accountability, integrity and commitment. ICA is committed to upholding Singapore’s laws on citizenship, immigration and national registration in a fair and effective manner.
What Is the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA Singapore)?
All immigration and registration matters in Singapore will go through the ICA, except for work passes, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Singapore.
Part of ICA’s responsibility includes being the primary enforcer for the Immigration Act (Cap 133) and the Passports Act (Cap 220). The ICA’s immigration officers have the authority to act on the Controller of Immigration’s behalf, and under the National Registration Act (Cap 201), they are also empowered as registration officers.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority Singapore’s office is well within its rights to prohibit the entry of any person or class of persons for reasons related to the conditions of Singapore. Immigration officers have been given limited policing powers within the checkpoints and in their immediate vicinity since 2018.
What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of ICA Singapore?
ICA Singapore oversees all immigration and registration matters in Singapore, except for work passes, which are handled by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Its responsibilities include managing border control at air, land, and sea checkpoints, enforcing immigration laws, and administering national registration processes. ICA plays a key role in ensuring Singapore remains secure while facilitating legitimate travel and trade.
What Are the Key Functions and Legal Powers of ICA Singapore?
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority is the primary enforcement agency for the Immigration Act (Cap 133) and the Passports Act (Cap 220). Under the National Registration Act (Cap 201), ICA officers are also empowered to act as registration officers.
ICA Singapore has the authority to prohibit the entry of any person or class of persons when required by national or public interest. Since 2018, ICA officers have been granted limited policing powers within Singapore checkpoints and their immediate vicinity.
Which Immigration Checkpoints Are Managed by ICA Singapore?
ICA oversees three main checkpoints in Singapore (Singapore checkpoint), which are:
- Land Checkpoints
- Tuas Command
- Woodlands Command (the Woodlands Train and Old Woodlands Checkpoint)
- Air Checkpoints
- Singapore Changi Airport
- Seletar Airport
- Airport Logistics Park of Singapore
- Changi Airfreight Centre
- Parcel Post Section
- Sea Checkpoints
- Singapore Cruise Centre
- Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore
- Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
- West Coast Pier
- Marina South Pier
- Changi Ferry Terminal
- Changi Point Ferry Terminal
- Jurong Fishery Port
What Is ICA Coastal Command and Port Coverage in Singapore?
The ICA’s Coastal Command is one of the largest commands based on the number of Singapore checkpoints. The Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore is the ICA’s newest checkpoint in Singapore. This checkpoint is open and available when there is a visiting cruise ship, and the port’s command includes:
- Keppel Distripark
- Port of Singapore
- Jurong Port
- Sembawang Port
ICA’s Service Centres in Singapore
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority Singapore has three available service centres to cater to Singapore’s various demographics. The three centres are:
- Citizen Services Centre – Responsible for issuing the pink National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) in Singapore, passports and certificate of citizenship, along with the registry of births and deaths.
- The Visitor Services Centre – Responsible for issuing the visit pass extensions, visas and long-term visit passes in Singapore.
- Permanent Resident Centre – Responsible for issuing the blue NRICs in Singapore for permanent residents, along with entry and re-entry permits.
Additional Information About ICA Singapore
For more information about visa applications and other services provided by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority Singapore, click here to visit their website.