Covid-19: ICA cancels passport of Singapore citizen for breaching stay-home notice

SINGAPORE — The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has cancelled the passport of Goh Illya Victor, 53, for breaching stay-home notice (SHN) requirements, ICA said in a statement on Sunday (March 29). This is the first such action authorities have taken against a Singapore citizen.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is also investigating this case, ICA said.

ICA said that Mr Goh had travelled from Singapore to Batam, Indonesia, on March 3. He returned to Singapore via Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on March 19 and was served with an SHN upon his entry. 

Days before, the Government announced that with effect from March 16, at 11.59pm, all travellers entering Singapore with travel history to any Asean countries within the previous 14 days would be issued an SHN. This means that they must remain in their place of residence at all times for a 14-day period.

Despite the rules of the announcement, Mr Goh decided to return to Indonesia on the same day even after ICA officers warned him that he would breach the SHN requirements and could face penalties, ICA said. 

He then returned to Singapore again on March 24 from Indonesia through the Singapore Cruise Centre. Here he was issued with a second 14-day SHN from March 24 to April 7.

“Goh has displayed irresponsible conduct by not complying with the requirements of his first SHN. In view of the wilful breach, ICA has cancelled his passport and referred the case to MOH for investigation into his breach of SHN requirements,” ICA said. 

ICA added in the press release that it “will not hesitate” to take strong enforcement action against those who fail to comply with the SHN requirements.

Besides cancellation of immigration facilities, like Mr Goh’s passport, those who refuse to comply can also be prosecuted under the Infectious Diseases Act, and face a fine of up to S$10,000, or up to six months’ imprisonment, or both.

ICA also added that all travellers should ensure that they submit complete and accurate travel declarations. 

As of March 27, it is mandatory for all travellers arriving in Singapore, including Singapore residents, to submit a health and travel declaration before proceeding with immigration clearance. Travellers will be required to provide their health status and recent travel history, as well as personal particulars and contact details. 

Those who make false or misleading declarations will be liable for prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act. The penalty for providing false or misleading information is a fine of up to S$10,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both. For subsequent offences, the penalty is a fine up to S$20,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.

For non-Singaporeans, ICA said that they “may take other administrative actions such as revocation of, or shortening the validity of permits and passes to remain in Singapore.”

As of March 22, the Ministry of Manpower has revoked a total of 89 work passes for those who breached entry approval or stay-home notice requirements.

Members of the public can report any information on those who did not comply with SHN requirements to ICA at go.gov.sg/reportshnbreach or 6812 5555.