Reciprocal computerized immigration clearance will begin between Taiwan and Singapore.

The "Immigration Benchmark Training Program" (外國移民官標竿學習計畫) concluded on July 27 with a ceremony hosted by National Immigration Agency, Ministry of the Interior. The Deputy Minister (吳容輝) of the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), attended and declared the "Taiwan-Singapore Reciprocal Automatic Customs Clearance" to be complete. Singaporeans can now use Taiwan's automated inspection and customs clearance system. Singapore is the sixth nation to complete reciprocal usage of automatic customs clearance with Taiwan, joining the United States, South Korea, Australia, Italy, and Germany.

The  deputy minister (吳容輝) of the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), attended and declared the "Taiwan-Singapore Reciprocal Automatic Customs Clearance" to be complete.Photo provided by National Immigration Agency (NIA)

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Taiwanese have been permitted to utilize the Singapore automatic customs clearance system since April 10 of this year, according to the Deputy Minister (吳容輝) of MOI. Requirements include being at least 12 years old, standing at least 140 cm tall, and not having a history of breaking local laws. At the automatic customs clearance registration counter at the airport, fill out the entrance registration form (also known as the "A card") online before traveling to the nation. Singaporean passengers can enter and depart Taiwan by e-Gate instantly after completion without paying.

Reciprocal computerized immigration clearance will begin between Taiwan and Singapore.Photo provided by National Immigration Agency (NIA)

Additionally, Taiwanese nationals who meet Singapore's entry requirements can use the Singapore ACI (Automated Clearance Initiative) to enter and exit Singapore for free as long as they have a passport that is valid for at least six months, are at least six years old, and fill out the online Singapore Arrival Card within 72 hours of boarding the plane.

The "Immigration Benchmark Training Program" (外國移民官標竿學習計畫) concluded on July 27 with a ceremony hosted by National Immigration Agency, Ministry of the Interior.Photo provided by National Immigration Agency (NIA)

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The Deputy Minister (吳容輝) of MOI also mentioned that the conclusion ceremony of "Immigration Benchmark Training Program" conclusion ceremony was on July 27^th, too. This program gathers key countries from New Southbound countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. In addition, a total of 20 immigration officers from 12 different nations, including those from Germany, Lithuania, the United States, Mongolia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Paraguay, participated.

Only 7 participants from 4 different nations took part in this activity when it was hosted for the first time in 2017. The fourth time was this year. The number of participants and the participating nations have both increased dramatically, demonstrating the vitality of international cooperation in the area of immigration law enforcement. It is envisaged that via international interactions, the public would benefit from convenient services as well as increased collaboration.

The Deputy Minister Mr. Wu (吳容輝) of Ministry of the Interior, Mr. Representative Yip (葉偉傑) of Singapore Trade Office in Taipei, Mr. Director General Lan (藍夏禮) of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director-General of National Immigration Agency Mr. Chung (鐘景琨), Deputy Director General Mr. Lin (林信任) of Tourism Bureau, Representative from the National Police Agency, and 20 immigration officers attended the grand event.