Singapore is to tighten security surrounding the clearance of crew and passengers at the country’s ports.
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said it has reviewed the process in the light of the current security climate.
With effect from 1 November 2017 the ICA will require all crews to report to one of four designated ICA crew offices and undergo security checks on their passports and luggage.
In addition, the driver conveying the passengers/crew exiting the port is required to await further instructions from the ICA officers before proceeding as they may also be required to undergo security checks.
The four designated ICA crew offices are at Jurong Port main gate, Pasir Panjang and Keppel Entrance crew clearances offices and Sembawang Gate ICA duty office.
Currently, all passengers and seafarers onboard commercial vessels who wish to enter Singapore are accorded with advanced immigration clearance (AIC) or clearance onboard (COB).
This revised process is applicable to clearance at ports only – clearance processes at other areas such as shipyards and anchorages remain unchanged, ICA said.
"Members are strongly advised to note and ensure compliance by their crew and passengers in respect of these revised procedures," the Standard P&I Club said in a note to members.
