Singapore’s new biometric system captures illegal travellers

A new biometric system has captured foreigners trying to enter Singapore with false identities, it has been revealed.

"Since we implemented the BioScreen system, we have detected some passengers trying to enter Singapore with different passports," Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Desmond Lee told local media.

The system introduced last month requires all travellers to Singapore aged six and above to scan their thumbprints during immigration clearance. Previously, immigration officers relied on passport checks and interviews to identify suspicious travellers.

"Using technology allows us as far as possible to enhance security while ensuring minimum hassle to passengers," Lee added.

The new system may increase waiting times are immigration checkpoints, as peak holiday periods start this month, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said.

The system is being progressively rolled out across immigration checkpoints. It is already in use at Changi Airport, and land checkpoints with Malaysia at Woodlands and Tuas. Image by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.