In addition to controlling the entry of goods and people through the checkpoints, ICA will also provide the citizen, permanent resident and visitor services currently undertaken by SIR. These services, such as issuance of passports, NRICs, re-entry permits and visitor passes etc, will continue to be offered at the current SIR Building, which will be renamed as the ICA Building with effect from 1 April 2003.

With effect from 1 April 2003, the Registry of Societies will be transferred to the Ministry of Home Affairs. It will however continue to operate from its current premises. Those who wish to register societies should still do so at the ICA Building. The Registry of Political Donations will be transferred to the Elections Department under the Prime Minister’s Office. It will be sited together with the Elections Department, at 11 Prinsep Link Singapore 187949.

The list of services provided by the various agencies with effect from 1 April 2003 is tabled at Annex.

• Maintain checkpoint security, including immigration control and security clearance of persons, goods and conveyances;
• Enforce immigration and passport laws and regulations including the management of foreigners’ stay, the issuance of immigration passes and permits, and the investigation, prosecution and eradication of immigration offences;
• Prevent and enforce against the smuggling of restricted, controlled and prohibited goods; and
• Register individuals and enforce the National Registration Act.

A2: Currently, there are various agencies operating at the checkpoints. With its formation, ICA will be a single command responsible for the security of our checkpoints against the infiltration of both undesirable people and cargo. This ensures a closely coordinated, quick and effective response to any security threats or crisis. It also ensures that critical intelligence is shared among ground units in a timely manner.

A3: There is no change. You can continue to apply for a passport by post, submit the application form over the counter or at the deposit box at the ICA Building (formerly known as the SIR Building), or through the Internet using the APPLES (Application for Passport Online Electronic System) system.

The other citizen, permanent resident and visitor services continue to be available at the ICA Building.

A4: The SIR Building will be renamed as the "ICA Building". It is located at 10 Kallang Road, Singapore 208718, next to the Lavender MRT station.

A5: The public can continue to call 6391 6100 for general enquiries on immigration documents and procedures. From April, information on cargo clearance will also be available at this number.

The number to call for application forms for the Singapore Passport remains as Tel: 6738 3352.

The public can also continue to offer tip-offs about immigration offenders at the toll-free number 1800-391 6150. With effect from 1 April, they can also call this number if they have information on the smuggling of contraband.

A6: The ICA will comprise about 3,400 officers, of which about 2,400 officers are from SIR, while another 1,000 officers are from CED.

A7: You can go to the Registry of Societies section which remains at level 6 of the ICA Building.

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