Engaging US Government on FTA Immigration Commitments and Advocating for Rights of Singaporeans with US Visas
Ministry of Foreign AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Fadli Fawzi’s inquiry regarding the Government’s engagement with the United States on immigration obligations under their Free Trade Agreement and the protection of Singaporean visa holders' rights. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan clarified that the H-1B1 visa programme remains unchanged, as recent US entry restrictions and fees for H-1B visas do not apply to Singapore Citizens. He stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is unaware of bona fide Singaporeans whose rights have been affected but will continue to monitor the issue. The Minister highlighted that a valid visa does not guarantee entry or stay, as immigration policies are determined by each country. Finally, he noted that the Ministry will continue to engage US counterparts on these matters as required.
Transcript
26 Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Government has been engaging the United States government on (i) maintaining its obligations under the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement in relation to immigration, such as the H-1B1 visa, and (ii) protecting the rights and privileges of Singaporean holders of US visas.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: The H-1B1 visa programme applies to foreign skilled labour from Singapore under the United States (US)-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. There are no changes to H-1B1 processes at this time. The US Embassy in Singapore has stated that the US' Presidential Proclamation on 19 September 2025, which imposes a new Restriction on Entry and fee under the H-1B visa programme, is separate from and does not apply to the H-1B1 visa programme for Singapore Citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) will continue to monitor this issue and engage our US counterparts as required, as we regularly do on a broad range of issues.
To date, MFA is not aware of bona fide Singaporean holders of valid US visas whose rights and privileges have been affected by recent immigration enforcement actions in the US. Nonetheless, Singaporeans should take note that possession of a valid US visa does not guarantee automatic entry into the country nor one's stay for the entire validity period of the visa. Singaporeans should also be aware that each country determines its own immigration policies, including policies applicable to existing visa holders.