TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore has turned away 41,800 foreign tourists from entering the country from January to November 2025. This marks a bigger number compared to the same period in 2024, with 33,100 and 28,600 in 2023, according to Lianhe Zaobao.
These numbers emerged ahead of the no-boarding directive (NBD) in 2026, which will instruct aviation services to refuse "undesirable travellers" heading to Singapore.
According to The Straits Times, as reported from Mothership Sg, starting January 2026, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and AirAsia will implement the directive to ban passengers from boarding their flights. This policy is intended for those deemed ineligible for entry into Singapore.
According to Zaobao, the authorities did not disclose the reasons for the significant increase in the number of people being denied entry. There is no information on them either, such as their nationalities.
Foreign travelers denied entry include those who have previously committed crimes in Singapore. The ban also applies to those who attempt to enter under a different identity, those who pose a threat or risk to public safety, and those who are at risk of immigration violations. Additionally, those who might overstay their visa or work illegally while in Singapore are also included.
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