Refused entry,enter SG with IPA

[Jeff Loh]

Hi,I was overstay and refused entry to SG since 2019. Recently,I undergo an online interview and successfully secured a job with approved IPA.May I know can I now enter SG with the IPA alone? Or I have to gain ICA permission with an appeal letter? Thanks

[malcontent]

Wow you must have really overstayed for an extended period to get refused entry, or did you overstay more than once?

I overstayed once — didn’t even realize it until I left to Bintan for the weekend ; my EP had been expired for over a month. It just totally slipped my mind, and my company had forgotten.

They fined me but at the reduced rate for less than 30 days over (it was still a stiff fine, which I made my company pay). When we got back from Bintan, fortunately I got the same immigration lady who was involved with my case when we left - so she knew my ordeal and gave me 90 days SVP so I could reapply for a new EP. This was approved within a week or so, and I’ve not had any issues since.

In my mind, as long as you have an IPA, you shouldn’t have any issues — but it probably depends how severe the offense was and how many times it occurred. In my case, it was a clear case of oversight - no premeditated criminality involved.

But then I haven’t attempted entry on an SVP other than that one time, stayed on a valid EP ever since. Can’t imagine they would ever refuse me an SVP once I am off EP, but you never know.

[smoulder]

There's also a possibility that he holds one of the passports which raises red flags in the eyes of immigration officials. Hard to say because the final decision is at the discretion of the individual officer.

[x9200]

I would expect it (entry refusal) heavily depends on the type of the permit/pass, the circumstances and the passport issuing country. For Mal they probably considered it as an obvious overlooking of the date where substantial part of the problem was also on the employer's side*. But if one would be on work permit and the employer did it all write, I would expect a ban for some time at least. Even worse if one would be from a country where formal visa application was required for any type of visit.

*) By the way, have you been working with the expired EP?

[malcontent]

Yes, it was a complete oversight in my case, and the officer seemed to indicate that had it been less than 30 days he might have been able to let me off with a warning.

But since it was past 30 days, he had to fine me, albeit at the reduced <30d rate (which was still hefty). My son at the time likewise had overstayed on his DP, but they let him off without a fine.

It was surprising to them (and to me) that my employer could overlook such a thing. Although they really have the blame (and did reimburse my fine) it’s ultimately up to the individual to ensure their pass is valid.