Group :
URL :
http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=1998080608.htm
Date :
06/08/1998

Singapore Government Press Release

Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts,

36th Storey, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963.

Tel: 3757794/5

 

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COMMENTS BY MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS SPOKESMAN,

MR CASIMIR ROZARIO

 

NO CHANGE IN SOCIAL VISIT RULES

In response to queries from the media, as well as to the Bernama report titled "Singapore Shortens Social Visit Stay for Malaysians" dated 6 Aug 98, which reported the Johor State Executive Councillor for Environment and Consumer Affairs Dr Chua Soi Lek as claiming that Singapore Immigration has shortened the social visit stay in Singapore for Malaysians, MHA spokesman Mr Rozario said:

 

"There has not been any change in Singapore’s immigration policy in relation to the grant of social visit passes to foreign visitors. Most foreign visitors arriving by land are granted 14 days’ stay. There may be certain exceptional cases where visitors are granted fewer than 14 days due to the 60/90 day rule, which has been enforced since 1 June 1981.

 

The 60/90 day rule allows a Malaysian social visitor to stay in Singapore up to 60 days in every 90 day period. The purpose of the 60/90 day rule is to prevent foreign workers from circumventing Singapore’s work permit policies and working in Singapore illegally.

 

The grant of social visit passes to foreign visitors by Singapore Immigration & Registration is in no way linked to the move of the Singapore CIQ from Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands Train Checkpoint.

 

As there has been no change in our social visit pass policy, we are surprised by the reported comments of the Johor State Executive Councillor, and the interest which they have generated."

 

 

MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

6 AUG 98