A Singaporean man has become the first person convicted under a new provision of the Immigration Act 1959 after making false declarations while acting as the local sponsor for his wife’s Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) application.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced that Tan Kim Lam was fined S$2,000 on July 10, 2026, after being found guilty of submitting false information in support of his spouse’s immigration application.
The case marks the first prosecution under amendments to the Immigration Act that came into force on Dec. 31, 2024, strengthening accountability for both applicants and local sponsors involved in immigration-related submissions.
First Conviction Under Amended Immigration Act
According to ICA, Tan had acted as the local sponsor for his wife, identified as Lin Qiaoming, during her application for a Long-Term Visit Pass.
Under the revised Immigration Act, both applicants and their local sponsors can be held legally responsible if false or misleading information is submitted in an immigration application.
Importantly, the law makes it clear that individuals cannot avoid liability simply by claiming they were unaware that the information provided was inaccurate or misleading.
The amendments were introduced to reinforce the integrity of Singapore’s immigration system and place greater responsibility on those involved in immigration applications.
ICA Warns Applicants and Sponsors to Ensure Accuracy
ICA said it takes a serious view of anyone who knowingly or unknowingly provides false information when applying for immigration facilities for themselves or on behalf of others.
The authority reminded all applicants and local sponsors that they are personally responsible for verifying that every declaration and document submitted is truthful and accurate before an application is lodged.
Those convicted under the relevant provision of the Immigration Act may face a fine of up to S$4,000.
The agency added that providing inaccurate information, regardless of intent, could result in enforcement action and criminal penalties.
Singapore Strengthens Border Security With Biometrics
Beyond enforcement against false declarations, ICA highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen border security through technology.
The authority has enhanced its ability to identify travellers attempting to use multiple or false identities by leveraging advanced biometric systems alongside data analytics.
Since the implementation of multi-modal biometric screening in 2020, travellers entering Singapore have had their biometric data captured to help authorities detect identity fraud and prevent individuals from entering the country using different identities.
ICA said these measures form part of Singapore’s broader efforts to safeguard the country’s immigration system while ensuring that immigration facilities are granted only to eligible applicants.
The authority urged all individuals submitting immigration applications to carefully review the information provided, as both applicants and sponsors may face legal consequences if false or misleading declarations are made.