THE Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) caught 54 people
- including six Singaporeans suspected of harbouring or employing
immigration offenders - in an 11-hour islandwide operation that
ended in the wee hours of Thursday.
ICA said in a media statement yesterday that most of those
nabbed came from countries such as Bangladesh, China, India, Nepal
and Sri Lanka.
The majority admitted that they had come here to seek employment
and had no fixed employer.
They had been working as general workers, cleaners, odd-job
labourers, painters and food-stall helpers.
Some women admitted to engaging in vice activities, the
statement added.
The oldest among the six Singaporeans caught was a 75-year-old
who had allegedly allowed an illegal immigrant to live in his home
in Teck Whye.
The 54 suspects, aged between 19 and 75, are being investigated
by ICA and the police.
Under thr Immigration Act, the penalties for overstaying more
than 90 days and illegal entry are a jail term of up to six
months, plus a minimum of three strokes of the cane for male
offenders below 50 years old.
In lieu of caning, female offenders face a fine not exceeding
$6,000.
Homeowners found guilty of harbouring immigration offenders may
be jailed between six months and two years, and fined up to
$6,000.
The ICA advised homeowners to check the status of prospective
foreign tenants via their original immigration or work passes.
Homeowners should also cross-check particulars against those on
the passports, and verify the validity of the passes with the
issuing authority.
(Taken from The Straits Times, Saturday, May 21 2011, Page
B5)