Bangladeshis among 21 held in Singapore over immigration offences
They were detained over offences of overstaying and for employing immigration offenders
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore on Friday arrested 21 people including Bangladeshi nationals for immigration related offences such as illegally overstaying in the country.
The arrested suspects include nationals from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, reported Channel News Asia.
Three Singaporeans and a Singapore permanent resident were also arrested in the drives conducted in Bedok, Bugis, Changi, Little India, Pasir Ris and Serangoon areas.
They were detained over offences of overstaying and for employing immigration offenders. Some of the culprits used to work in construction, food and beverage industries, said an ICA press release.
According to the CNA report, the punishment for overstaying or illegal entry into the country is a jail term of up to six months and at least three strokes of the cane. While the convicted of illegal departure may face a fine of up to 2,000 Singaporean dollars, a jail term of up to six months, or both.
The punishment for the people who harbour overstayers and/or illegal immigrants negligently, recklessly or knowingly, may get sentence of six months to two years in jail and a fine of up to 6,000 Singaporean dollars.