The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore has outlined its plans to revolutionize border security and immigration services at its annual Workplan Seminar held on 17 May 2024. The theme of the seminar, “Redefining Border Clearance and Service Delivery,” reflects ICA’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and convenience for both travelers and citizens.
The centerpiece of the transformation plan is the New Clearance Concept (NCC), which promises a paradigm shift in how people, cargo, and conveyances are processed at Singapore’s borders. ICA aims to achieve this through a combination of biometrics, data analytics, and automation.
One of the most significant aspects of the NCC is the introduction of automated lanes for all travelers, including first-time visitors, upon arrival in Singapore. This eliminates the need for prior registration and allows for contactless clearance upon departure. By the end of 2024, Singapore residents and departing travelers will also be able to enjoy contactless immigration clearance at major checkpoints. These initiatives are expected to reduce clearance times by a staggering 40%.
To facilitate this transformation, ICA has been progressively installing next-generation Automated Border Control Systems (ABCS) at its checkpoints. These state-of-the-art systems will enable 95% of travelers to clear immigration via automated lanes by early 2026.
The NCC also extends to car and cargo clearance. ICA, in collaboration with the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX), is developing the Automated Passenger Clearance System (APCS) to allow car travelers to self-clear while remaining in their vehicles. In addition, a QR code scanning system has been implemented for faster clearance at manual counters. Full automation of car clearance is expected to be achieved at Tuas Checkpoint in 2026 and at the Woodlands Checkpoint in 2028.
For cargo clearance, ICA is focusing on paperless transactions and automation. The implementation of a paperless clearance initiative for conventional cargo has already reduced clearance time by 30% per vehicle. Additionally, ICA is piloting remote customs clearance and AI-powered cargo image analysis to further streamline the process and enhance security.
The transformation extends beyond border clearance. The Services Centre Next Generation (SCNG) initiative aims to provide a “No Fuss, No Visit, No Waiting” experience for citizens and residents. Nearly 95% of ICA services are already available online, and physical document issuance is being progressively reduced in favor of digital alternatives. ICA’s new integrated Services Centre (ISC) is slated to open in 2025, offering a one-stop shop for all immigration-related needs. The ISC will also feature the Integrated Smart Document Management System (iSMART), allowing for self-collection of passports and identity cards without appointments.
As ICA embraces these changes, its officers will also undergo upskilling to adapt to their evolving roles. Officers will receive training in profiling, investigative interviewing, and NCC-related systems to handle a wider range of responsibilities. On top of this, officers at the ISC will be trained to provide a comprehensive range of services, enabling them to make holistic assessments and decisions.
The success of ICA’s transformation plans is evident in high customer satisfaction ratings. In ICA’s 2023 Customer Perception Survey, 99.5% of respondents expressed confidence in ICA’s border security measures, and customer satisfaction exceeded the national average.
With the implementation of these groundbreaking initiatives, ICA is poised to create a more secure and efficient border clearance system, while simultaneously enhancing the experience for travelers, citizens, and residents of Singapore.