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Launch of the new Student's Pass card and the revision of fees structure with effect from 4 May 2009 |
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Wednesday, 06 May 2009 06:18 |
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THIS IS A REPRODUCTION OF THE NEWS RELEASE FROM ICA IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITYNEWS RELEASE PREDILECTION FOR SECURITY National security has always been the focus of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). In July 2008, ICA announced plans to issue the new Long Term Pass (LTP) cards to all foreigners residing long-term in Singapore, as part of the Government’s initiative to enhance national security. The new LTP card will be issued to Student’s Pass (STP) holders with effect from 4 May 2009.
A more secured card for Student’s Pass holders
2 The LTP cards for STP holders contain similar biometric features as those in the National Registration Identity Card (NRIC), a proven secure means of identification. Compared to the current paper-laminated STP cards, the new polycarbonate STP card has better anti-forgery features and is more durable. ICA had first introduced the LTP cards to long-term Visit Pass (VP) holders in August 2008. Subsequently in February 2009, some schools were invited to participate in the pilot launch of the LTP cards to STP holders.
3 The new LTP card bears the STP holder’s photograph and fingerprint images, which are laser-engraved into the core of the card, making it more difficult for forgery syndicates to tamper with the card. The new LTP card will also have two multiple laser images (MLIs), one reflecting the photo image of the card holder, and the other showing the lion head logo and Foreign Identification Number (FIN) at various angles. The MLI, which had been incorporated into our NRIC since 1991, has proven to be effective against tampering and forgery.
What the STP holders need to know
Benefits – Less Fees Payable for Most New STP Applicants
4 In line with the introduction of the new LTP card, the ICA has also reviewed the current fee structure for STP holders. Currently, STP holders pay a fee of $40 per year of validity of the STP. Depending on the duration of the course (1-6 years), foreign students could pay fees ranging from $40 up to $240.
5 Under the new fee structure, applicants are required to pay a non-refundable processing fee of $30 when an application for STP is submitted to ICA for consideration. Payment must be made through the ICA online portals for STP application (i.e. SOLAR or SOLAR+). Successful STP applicants will only need to pay a one-time fee of $60 for the issuance of the LTP cards, regardless of the duration of the pass granted. The prevailing visa fee will continue to apply for those from visa-required countries.
6 Foreign students will be required to pay a sum of $60 for replacement of lost or damaged STP cards. Foreign students who lose their paper-laminated cards will be issued with the new LTP card as replacement at the prevailing fee.
Registration of fingerprints
7 Successful STP applicants above age 15 are required to register their fingerprints with ICA when completing the formalities for the issuance of the LTP card. Fingerprint registration for those between six and 14 years is optional, while children five years and below are exempted as their fingerprints have yet to mature.
8 During the pilot launch of the LTP cards to foreign students in February, the ICA has dispatched mobile registration teams to some education institutions to facilitate the registration for STP holders. This effort was well received by the students and schools as the foreign students are not required to make separate trips to ICA for registration and collection of the cards. ICA will consider extending similar facility to more education institutions if there is sufficient number of new enrolments in each cohort.
STP holders will now enjoy automated clearance at checkpoints
9 There will be no change in immigration procedures for STP holders who are issued with the new LTP cards. These students will still be required to produce the LTP card, together with their passport, for immigration clearance when leaving or returning to Singapore. Foreign students who have registered their fingerprints and hold passports which are compliant with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will now be able to enjoy automated immigration clearance via the enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS). LTP card holders who are eligible for automated clearance will be advised accordingly during their registration.
What industry players have to say
10 The pilot launch of the LTP card for foreign students in February was very well received by our strategic partners. Feedback from Ms May Chen, administrative executive from Dimensions International College is testament to our commitment to bring convenience to our customers without compromising on security - “Students are generally happy with the new design of the pass. It brings convenience to the students as it is now a single card, thus the probability of losing the card is low. Also, the personalized photo and thumbprint actually allows the students to feel as though they are part of the Singapore community as the student’s pass is somewhat similar to Singapore’s Identification Card (NRIC).”
11 More information on the launch of the LTP cards to foreign students is available at Annex A (Frequently Asked Question).
END OF NEWS RELEASE
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority1 May 2009 |
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