Data on Foreigners with Valid In-Principle Approvals Who Were Denied Entry
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the statistics of foreigners with valid In-Principle Approvals (IPA) denied entry and the implementation of the No-Boarding Directive. Mr Cai Yinzhou inquired about the reasons for 2025 entry denials and the measures for informing employers and facilitating appeals under the new directive. Minister Mr K Shanmugam clarified that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) does not track specific IPA denial data as IPA letters do not guarantee entry. He emphasized that ICA assesses all travelers for immigration and security risks and that entry is a privilege, with those denied boarding being responsible for notifying their employers. Finally, he noted that individuals may submit appeals through the ICA feedback channel before they are permitted to arrange a new flight to Singapore.
Transcript
71 Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many foreigners with valid In-Principle Approvals (IPA) were denied entry in 2025; (b) what were the primary reasons for these denials; and (c) with the implementation of the No-Boarding Directive in 2026, what measures will be in place to inform prospective employers of these denials and facilitate appeals.
Mr K Shanmugam: The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) does not track the number of foreigners who were holding In-Principle Approval (IPA) letters issued by the Ministry of Manpower but were subsequently denied entry into Singapore by ICA. An IPA letter is issued in relation to a work pass application and does not guarantee entry into Singapore. Upon arriving in Singapore, holders of an IPA letter will still have to be assessed by ICA on their immigration and security risks and whether they should be allowed into Singapore, like every other foreigner. A foreigner's entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right.
When the No-Boarding Directive is implemented later this month, there may indeed be instances where foreigners issued with IPA letters are prevented from boarding flights bound for Singapore. They should then inform their prospective employers. In effect, the outcome is no different from today, where they will be denied entry upon arrival at our checkpoints. If they still wish to travel to Singapore to work, they will have to appeal to ICA via the ICA feedback channel, before arranging a new flight to Singapore.