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SINGAPORE: Seven citizens of Myanmar were arrested for immigration-related crimes, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said on Thursday (November 12).
The men, between 30 and 42 years old, were arrested Monday in a joint operation led by ICA agents and the police.
The operation took place around 5 a.m. at a vegetable farm located along Sungei Tengah Road. The men were found sleeping inside six makeshift shelters.
ICA said the men admitted staying in Singapore without a valid immigration pass and that they had been working on the farm without a valid work permit.
Investigations are currently underway.
“ICA has a serious view of attempts to stay longer in Singapore,” he said.
Under immigration law, those convicted of staying longer could face a jail term of up to six months and at least three strokes of the baton.
Anyone found guilty of employing an immigration offender will face a jail term of between six months and two years. They will also face a fine of up to S $ 6,000.
ICA reminded employers and homeowners to “exercise due diligence” when verifying the status of foreigners before offering them employment or renting their premises.
“Without the prospect of illegal employment or refuge, (immigration violators) would not find Singapore attractive,” he said.
