Latest news with #MyICA
Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: Can we go paperless for domestic worker medical checks?
Forum: Can we go paperless for domestic worker medical checks? I recently brought my domestic worker for her six-monthly medical examination (6ME), only to realise I had forgotten to print out the required physical form. The clinic charged me $1 to print it. This may seem like a minor inconvenience and small cost, but it highlights a larger issue: In this age of digitalisation, sustainability and operational efficiency, why are we still relying on physical forms for such routine procedures? Government services have made tremendous strides in going paperless – from Singpass and MyICA to digital driving licences and e-poll cards. Yet, for the 6ME, employers are still expected to download and print a hard-copy form to take to the clinic. This is not only environmentally unfriendly but also inefficient. A digital solution would benefit everyone involved. Clinics should be able to retrieve the 6ME form electronically via the worker's FIN or employer's NRIC number. This reduces the chance of forgotten documents, eliminates unnecessary charges and streamlines the process for clinic staff. It also reduces paper usage, a step in the right direction for sustainability. Let's move towards smarter, greener and more efficient ways of doing things. Charging $1 for a forgotten printout may seem small, but it reflects an outdated system that needs a digital upgrade. Martin Lee Ming Han More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Straits Times
Forum: Digital records of past passport numbers can be retrieved on MyICA portal
Forum: Digital records of past passport numbers can be retrieved on MyICA portal We refer to Mr Victor Lim's letter 'Include all previous passport numbers in new passports' (May 6). In 2006, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) introduced the biometric passport with enhanced security features to comply with the standards and recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This ensures that the Singapore passport remains a highly secured travel document which gives Singaporeans access to many countries without the need for a visa. In line with the ICAO's recommendation, every passport should carry a passport number that is unique and unrepeated. This is important for agencies to share information on lost and stolen Singaporean passports as part of the global effort to curb passport abuse. For Singaporeans who want their previous passport number to be indicated in their new passport, ICA can include the number in the current passport. Such requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Alternatively, Singaporeans who need their previous passport numbers for verification purposes overseas can access digital records of their previous passport numbers via the MyICA portal on the ICA website, under the 'MyTransaction' tab. The list can be downloaded and printed for reference. Mr Lim also encountered difficulties overseas while using his Apec Business Travel Card (ABTC), which still bears his old passport number. As each ABTC is tagged to a unique passport number, card holders must renew their ABTC if they have been issued a new passport. This can be done via the MyICA portal under the category 'replacement due to change of particulars'. Patrick Ong Senior Assistant Director, Strategic Communications and Media Relations Corporate Communications and Service Division Immigration and Checkpoints Authority More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
New Paper
05-05-2025
- New Paper
Heavy traffic expected at land checkpoints over Vesak Day long weekend
Traffic is expected to be very heavy at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints over the Vesak Day long weekend from May 8 to 13. Vesak Day, which is a public holiday, falls on Monday, May 12. Travellers are to expect longer waiting times to clear immigration during those dates, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority on May 5. Anyone who needs to travel during this peak period can consider taking the cross-border bus services to avoid the congestion. Travellers are reminded to cooperate with ICA officers, observe traffic rules and maintain lane discipline. ICA will not hesitate to take stern action against travellers who do not comply with officers' instructions and commit offences at the checkpoints. Important Reminders Ensure that your passport has a remaining validity of at least six months. All short-term visitors, including holders of in-principle approval for long-term pass, are required to submit their Singapore Arrival Card with health declaration via the MyICA mobile app within three days prior to their arrival in Singapore. Singapore Permanent Residents who have renewed their passport should ensure that their re-entry permit has been transferred to the new passport. Long-term pass holders should notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any change in their passport particulars before re-entering Singapore. Do not bring in prohibited or controlled items. Motorists are encouraged to use QR codes in lieu of passports for faster and more convenient immigration clearance. They are to refrain from cutting queues. Errant motorists caught cutting queues will be turned away and made to re-queue.
